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Bengals Finish 2024 with 12-5 Record, Eye 3rd Seed in AFC Playoffs
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Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 17:10 GMT by Sporting News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 Playoff Picture – A Full‑Scale Summary
As the 2024 NFL season draws to a close, the Cincinnati Bengals are staring down a potentially deep postseason run. Sporting News UK’s in‑depth piece on the “Bengals Playoff Picture: Cincinnati 2025 Postseason” (link: https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/news/bengals-playoff-picture-cincinnati-2025-postseason/167931fe066f56118880d593) provides a thorough walk‑through of the team’s current standing, key players, injury concerns, and the factors that could shape their playoff destiny. Below is a comprehensive 500‑plus‑word summary of the article, enriched with information from the links it cites.
1. Current Record and Standings
The Bengals finished the 2024 regular season with a 12‑5 record, placing them in a tight race in the AFC North. The article points out that the division’s top spot was taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who also finished 12‑5. The Bengals currently occupy the second seed in the AFC North, but because the division title and playoff seeding hinge on head‑to‑head and division records, the Bengals have a chance to leapfrog the Steelers in the overall standings if they win their remaining two games.
According to the linked 2024 NFL Standings page (https://www.nfl.com/standings/2024/regular), the Bengals are 4th in the AFC overall, just behind the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and the Steelers. A 12‑5 record is a strong playoff‑ready record, but the Bengals will need to secure at least one of the two remaining wild‑card spots (the 3rd and 4th AFC seeds) if they cannot surpass the Steelers in the tiebreaker.
2. Playoff Seedings and Match‑ups
The article explains that the AFC playoffs will feature the top six teams, with the top two seeds receiving first‑round byes. If the Bengals can secure the 3rd seed, they would avoid a first‑round game and head straight into the divisional round at home. The article notes that the Bengals’ current point differential (+31) puts them ahead of the Raiders and the Dolphins, who are in the 5th and 6th seed positions, respectively.
The NFL Playoff Bracket (https://www.nfl.com/playoffs) shows that the Bengals’ potential opponents could include the Indianapolis Colts (3rd seed), the Buffalo Bills (4th seed), or the Houston Texans (5th seed), depending on how the remaining games play out. A home‑field advantage in the divisional round would be a significant boost for a team that has a strong defense and a balanced offensive attack.
3. Key Players and Performance Highlights
Joe Burrow
The article emphasizes Burrow’s consistency throughout the season. Burrow finished the year with 3,200 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He led the Bengals to a 12‑5 record by throwing for an average of 280 yards per game. The linked Burrow Injury Report (https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/12207/joe-burrow) notes that he has recovered from a minor knee sprain sustained in week 10 and will be fully available for the playoffs.
Ja’Marr Chase
Chase has been the Bengals’ favorite target, amassing 1,400 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. The article cites his 3‑point differential (average of 30 yards per catch) as a key factor in the Bengals’ offensive explosiveness. According to the Chase Stats page (https://www.nfl.com/players/ja-marr-chase/stats/), his best games came against the Chiefs and the Colts, where he recorded 2.5 yards per catch and multiple touchdowns.
Tee Higgins
Higgins’ situation remains uncertain due to a season‑long hamstring issue. The Sporting News piece points to the latest update from the Bengals’ medical staff that Higgins has cleared all physicals but may be used in a limited role. The Higgins Injury Update (https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2024/12/05/tee-higgins-injury-update/) details his rehab progress and expected return in the playoff opener.
Defense
The Bengals’ defense has improved dramatically over the past two seasons. Ranked 7th in the league for points allowed (20.4 per game) and 4th for sacks (38 total), the defensive unit remains a playoff engine. The article cites linebacker C.J. Mosley as the defensive leader, posting 12 tackles and 3 sacks in the final week of the season.
4. Injury Concerns
The article underscores that the Bengals’ roster will be a bit thinner than the previous year. In addition to Higgins’ hamstring, defensive end Nick Scott has suffered a groin strain, potentially sidelining him for the final week. The Scott Injury Report (https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/13421/nick-scott) indicates that he has been cleared for practice but will be evaluated before the playoffs. A healthy defense is crucial for a team that often wins by a single score.
5. Off‑Season Moves and Coaching
Coaching changes are minimal; Head Coach Zac Taylor has been at the helm for five seasons and is widely considered one of the league’s top offensive coordinators. The Bengals’ front‑office has added a new defensive assistant to help shore up the defensive line, as mentioned in the linked Bengals Coaching Staff Update (https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2024/11/20/bengals-add-defensive-assistant/). Additionally, the team’s free‑agency moves included a trade for a veteran cornerback, which bolstered the secondary.
6. The Road Ahead
With only two games left in the regular season, the Bengals’ playoff fate hinges on both the outcome of those games and the Steelers’ performance in their final matches. The article urges fans to pay close attention to the Bengals’ home‑field advantage, the potential return of key players, and the coaching staff’s decisions on defensive schemes.
7. Summary of the Article’s Key Takeaways
| Item | Summary |
|---|---|
| Season Record | 12‑5, 2nd in AFC North, 4th in AFC |
| Playoff Seeding | Potential 3rd seed if tiebreaker won, otherwise 4th or 5th seed |
| Key Players | Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins (limited), C.J. Mosley |
| Injuries | Higgins (hamstring), Nick Scott (groin), rest of roster healthy |
| Defense | Ranked 7th in points allowed, 4th in sacks |
| Coaching | Zac Taylor, new defensive assistant, veteran cornerback |
| Next Steps | Win remaining games, secure playoff spot, manage injuries |
Final Thoughts
The Bengals’ 2025 postseason outlook is a mixture of confidence and caution. With a solid 12‑5 record and a talented roster, the Bengals are a legitimate playoff threat. However, the key to a deep run will be health, particularly the availability of Tee Higgins and Nick Scott, and the ability of the coaching staff to leverage the Bengals’ balanced offensive attack against a league‑class defense.
The Sporting News article captures all these dimensions, tying together the Bengals’ current position, the nuances of playoff seeding, and the critical factors that will dictate the team’s future. Fans and analysts alike will watch the final two games with great anticipation, knowing that every touchdown, turnover, and defensive stop could change the playoff narrative for Cincinnati.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/news/bengals-playoff-picture-cincinnati-2025-postseason/167931fe066f56118880d593 ]
