The Bengals are still looking for a top seed in the AFC playoffs, but heading into Sunday’s regular-season finale at Paul Brown Stadium (1 p.m.-Cincinnati’s Channel 19) against Baltimore, there are other trappings surrounding one of the NFL’s most successful franchises.
There is the buzz of preparation for another home playoff game, their second in three years. The team tied with the NFL’s fourth best record since 2013 is planning five Pro Bowl trips and probably more. Andy Dalton, third in the NFL, could win his first NFL passing title without throwing a ball Sunday. If the Bengals hold the Ravens to 20 points or less, it will be the fewest points ever allowed by a Cincinnati defense in 16 games.