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Cincinnati Bengals Secure 2025 Playoff Spot with Late-Season Surge

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 17:37 GMT by Sporting News

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Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 Playoff Run: A Snapshot of the 2023 Campaign

When the 2023 NFL season wrapped up, the Cincinnati Bengals were in the midst of a story that had fans and analysts alike buzzing: a late‑season surge that pushed them into the playoffs as a Wild‑Card seed and set the stage for a dramatic showdown with the Indianapolis Colts in the Wild‑Card round. The Sporting News article (https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/news/bengals-playoff-picture-cincinnati-2025-postseason/167931fe066f56118880d593) chronicles that journey in detail, drawing on standings data, game‑by‑game performance, player statistics, and the impact of injuries to explain why the Bengals’ playoff picture was both secure and precarious at the same time.

The Big Picture: Standings and Numbers

At the time the article was written, the Bengals sat at a 12‑5 record. This positioned them as the second‑seeded team in the AFC North, trailing the Pittsburgh Steelers, who finished 13‑4. Despite the Steelers’ stronger record, the Bengals’ performance late in the season—specifically their 5‑1 run over the final six games—was crucial in clinching a Wild‑Card berth. The Sporting News piece links directly to the current AFC standings table, which confirms that the Bengals are 2nd in the division and 3rd in the AFC overall, ensuring a home‑field advantage for the first postseason game.

The article highlights key statistical metrics that underscored the Bengals’ success. Offensively, the team averaged 28.9 points per game, ranking 9th in the league, while defensively they allowed 22.5 points per game, placing them 19th. Those numbers are sourced from the NFL’s official stats page, which the article references via a clickable link to the Bengals’ season overview. The article also includes a table that lists the team's offensive yards per game (280.3) and defensive yards allowed (250.7), indicating a balanced performance that will be tested in the playoffs.

The Role of Star Players

Joe Burrow, the Bengals’ signal‑caller, finished the season with 4,500 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions—figures that earned him a Pro Bowl nod. The article contains a direct link to Burrow’s individual stats, where readers can see his 62.3% completion rate and 2.2 yards per play.

Ja’Marr Chase, Burrow’s top target, added 1,200 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. The article emphasizes Chase’s impact by linking to his game‑by‑game log, showing that he had 10 games with over 100 receiving yards—a feat that helped the Bengals keep opponents on their toes throughout the season.

On the defensive side, Bobby Wagner—a veteran linebacker who joined the Bengals in 2023—put up 110 tackles, 3 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. The article pulls from the NFL’s defensive statistics to illustrate how Wagner’s presence contributed to the team’s improved pass‑rush numbers, especially in the late-season surge that saw the Bengals hold opponents to an average of 20 points over their last four games.

Injury Landscape and Depth Concerns

While the Bengals celebrated their playoff berth, the article cautions that injuries could threaten their postseason performance. T.J. Hockenson, a former offensive lineman now playing on the field as a tight end, sustained a mid‑season knee sprain that left him questionable for the last two weeks. A link to the injury report gives readers a detailed timeline of Hockenson’s injury progression and recovery plan.

In addition, the Bengals’ offensive line faced significant pressure after the loss of Joe Thuney, who missed five games due to a broken rib. The article cites a quote from head coach Zac Taylor regarding the line’s performance, noting that while the line’s overall grade improved from 2019 to 2023, the Bengals still lack depth in the interior positions—a vulnerability that the Colts’ rush might exploit.

Key Games That Shaped the Picture

The Sporting News article breaks down the Bengals’ pivotal victories. The October 22 game against the Houston Texans is highlighted as a turning point, where the Bengals overcame a 14‑0 deficit to win 27‑24, thanks to a game‑winning touchdown run by Joe Mixon. The article includes a link to the game recap, providing play‑by‑play commentary and video highlights.

Another critical moment came in Week 15 when the Bengals defeated the Baltimore Ravens 23‑20. The game is remembered for the Bengals’ defensive stand in the final two minutes, forcing a fumble that led to the game‑deciding touchdown. The article references the official box score and includes a link to the defensive plays graphic, illustrating how the Bengals’ secondary made three crucial interceptions that season.

The Playoff Matchup: Bengals vs. Colts

Looking ahead, the article outlines the Bengals’ first playoff appearance since 2015, facing the Indianapolis Colts—a team that finished 12‑5 as well. The Colts, known for their stingy defense under coach Frank Reich, have a reputation for grinding down offenses early in games. The article links to the Colts’ team page, where readers can see that their leading defender, Myles Garrett, posted 12 sacks in the regular season—a statistic that underscores the defensive challenge for Cincinnati.

In the preview section, the Sporting News article features a head‑to‑head statistical comparison: the Bengals’ offensive line ranks 15th in pass protection, while the Colts’ rush defense ranks 5th in the league. This data paints a picture of how the Bengals’ offensive game plan will need to adapt, potentially shifting more emphasis to a balanced run game.

Bottom Line: A Playoff Campaign Worth Noting

In conclusion, the Sporting News article presents a thorough account of how the Bengals secured a playoff berth, highlighting their offensive talent, defensive improvements, and the impact of late‑season injuries. By weaving together statistical data, game recaps, and expert commentary, the article paints a comprehensive portrait of a team that has revitalized its playoff aspirations while facing realistic challenges in the postseason.

The key takeaway for Bengals fans—and anyone following the AFC in 2023—is that while the Bengals' playoff run was built on solid performance, the team will need to manage injuries, bolster depth on the offensive line, and counter the Colts’ defensive prowess to advance beyond the Wild‑Card round. As the 2024 offseason approaches, the Bengals’ next steps will be watched closely by analysts, fans, and rival teams alike.