When the Cincinnati Bengals lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17, they were officially eliminated from playoff contention following the 2023 season, partially thanks to the Steelers and Bills winning.
The Cleveland Browns, who beat the Jets on Thursday night, locked up their playoff position. By the time the Bengals had lost on Sunday, that playoff spot had become the No. 5 seed. The two Ohio rivals will now play next Sunday at 1 pm ET CBS.
No matter what happens between the Browns and Bengals, the Browns will be the 5-seed, and the Bengals’ season will be over.