to make the playoffs with four losses in the division, it’s a path that has very little promise. The only time it’s happened for them in the modern divisional format was back in 2011, when rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green snuck into the playoffs despite a 2-4 record against AFC North teams.
It’s no secret this Bengals team is considerably better than the 2011 iteration, and yet, they’re on the verge of dropping to 0-4 in the division. These matchups will help decide if that ends up happening tomorrow against the Pittsburgh Steelers (+3.