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Cincinnati Bengals NFL Playoffs Odds, Scenarios Ahead of Week 18

The Cincinnati Bengals have been on the outside of the playoff picture for the entire 2024 NFL season, but have a chance to sneak in if results go in their favor in Week 18.

Cincinnati is currently +1700 to make the playoffs and a massive -10000 to miss out.

So, what needs to happen in Week 18 for the Bengals to reach the postseason?

Cincinnati Bengals 2024 NFL Playoffs scenarios

Bengals make the playoffs if:

  • The Bengals defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Denver Broncos lose to the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Miami Dolphins lose to the New York Jets in Week 18.

Bengals miss the playoffs if:

  • The Bengals lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18

  • The Denver Broncos defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18

  • The Miami Dolphins defeat the New York Jets in Week 18

All three results need to go the Bengals' way in Week 18, and if any of them don't, they are eliminated from playoff contention.

There is only one AFC playoff spot up for grabs. That spot is currently occupied by the Denver Broncos (-900 to make playoffs), who face off against the two-time reigning champion Chiefs in the last game of the regular season, although star QB Patrick Mahomes will rest, giving Carson Wentz the start under center.

The Dolphins also have an outside chance at +850 to make the playoffs. Mike McDaniel's team will also go into Week 18 without starting QB Tua Tagovailoa (hip), with Tyler Huntley earning his second-straight start.

While Cincy is undoubtedly one of the most explosive offensive teams in the NFL, led by MVP candidate Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, they've fallen into numerous pitfalls during the 2024 season, leaving the 2021 runner-ups on the outside looking in.

Beginning with a shock loss to the New England Patriots in Week 1, Cincinnati sat at 1-4 through five weeks after a loss to the division rival Baltimore Ravens, 41-38 in overtime. Another three-game skid in November put the AFC North squad at 4-8. Since, a four-game win streak has the Bengals still believing.

Since reaching the 2021 championship game and winning back to back AFC North titles in 2021-22, Cincy went 9-8 and now sits at 8-8 with one game to go. In 2024, the Bengals defense (26.1 PPG allowed, 4th most in NFL) has been their weakness.

The team defense ranks in the bottom-five in points allowed, first downs allowed (30th out of 32) and passing TD allowed (29th), In three games against division rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh, the Bengals allowed 40 PPG.

But because Burrow, who leads the NFL in passing yards (4,641) and passing TD (42), and Chase, who leads the NFL in receiving yards (1,612) and receiving TD (16), have been in all-world form, Cincy still has a shot.

Read the latest NFL news on site.

Odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.

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