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Bengals Target Top-Four AFC Seed with 12-3 Record

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 4:50 GMT by Sporting News

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The Cincinnati Bengals’ Playoff Outlook: A Detailed Summary of Sporting News’ 2025 Analysis

As the 2024 NFL season winds down, the Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff chances have become the subject of much debate. Sporting News recently published a comprehensive piece—“Bengals Playoff Picture: Cincinnati’s 2025 Postseason Outlook” (https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/news/bengals-playoff-picture-cincinnati-2025-postseason/167931fe066f56118880d593)—that dives deep into the Bengals’ current standing, the critical games that still lie ahead, and how the team’s performance stacks up against its AFC rivals. Below is a thorough summary of the article, expanded with key insights and contextual links to the Bengals’ recent games and related analysis.

1. The Current Record and How It Shapes the Playoff Picture

At the time of the article’s publication, the Bengals were sitting at a solid 12‑3 record. This places them third in the AFC and firmly in the playoff mix, though the team’s exact seed hinges on the outcomes of the remaining four games. The Bengals’ offense has been among the league’s best, with Joe Burrow racking up 3,400+ passing yards, 25 touchdown passes, and a 96.6% completion rate. The running game, spearheaded by Joe Mixon and Jovan Hester, has contributed nearly 700 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, giving the offense a balanced attack that makes them difficult to defend.

The article notes that the Bengals’ defensive performance has been more modest. While they’ve posted 32 sacks and 10 interceptions overall, the defense struggled in games against the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, two of the league’s most potent offenses. Nevertheless, the Bengals’ defensive coordinator, Ryan Stanchek, emphasized a focus on tightening the secondary and improving run support, which will be critical in the postseason.

2. Key Rivalries that Could Impact the Playoff Seed

a. AFC North – Steelers, Browns, and Colts

The Bengals’ division rivals are a significant factor in determining the final playoff bracket. The article links to a separate Sporting News piece on the Steelers’ 4‑4 record after a loss to the Baltimore Ravens, suggesting that the Bengals are likely to finish as division champions. However, the Colts remain a wildcard threat. With a 9‑5 record, the Colts have a chance to win the wildcard if they finish strong and the Bengals falter in the final games.

b. AFC East – Jets and Patriots

The New York Jets and New England Patriots also occupy the wildcard conversation. The Jets are 10‑5, with a strong home record that could make them a favorable matchup for the Bengals. The Patriots, though 9‑6, have a historically robust defense that could challenge the Bengals’ offensive line.

c. AFC West – Chiefs and Raiders

The Kansas City Chiefs, at 13‑3, are the top seed and have already secured a first‑round bye. The Bengals will face them if they finish second in the AFC standings. The Las Vegas Raiders, at 8‑7, have shown flashes of potential but are unlikely to pose a threat to the Bengals’ postseason aspirations.

3. The Impact of Injuries and Roster Moves

One of the most cited factors in the Sporting News analysis is the injury status of key players:

• Joe Mixon has been dealing with a grade‑1 hamstring strain, which forced him to miss a game against the Colts. The article reports that he returned for the Bengals vs. Raiders matchup, where he added 70 rushing yards and a touchdown.
• Tee Higgins is listed as questionable for the final two games, a potential concern as the Bengals prepare for the high‑pressure games against the Jets and Patriots.
• On the defensive side, Jalen Hawthorne and Quinton Williams have both faced minor injuries, but the Bengals have added depth by trading for Cameron Sutton (an off‑season acquisition) to bolster the defensive line.

These injuries are highlighted with direct links to injury reports and player status updates on the Bengals’ official site, ensuring readers have the most current information.

4. Remaining Schedule: The Final Four Games

The article provides a breakdown of the Bengals’ remaining games, each of which could shape the playoff seed:

1. Home vs. Baltimore Ravens – A tough divisional showdown that could lock in the AFC North title.
2. Away vs. Indianapolis Colts – A pivotal wildcard matchup that hinges on the Colts’ performance.
3. Home vs. Las Vegas Raiders – A game that offers a chance to finish the season on a high note.
4. Away vs. New York Jets – The most decisive game; a win could secure a higher seed and a more favorable first‑round opponent.

The Sporting News article includes a link to the Bengals’ official schedule, along with a detailed analysis of each matchup’s significance.

5. The Playoff Bracket and Potential Matchups

Assuming the Bengals finish with a 13‑3 record, the Sporting News piece outlines a probable bracket:

• 1st Seed: Buffalo Bills (14‑2)
• 2nd Seed: Kansas City Chiefs (13‑3)
• 3rd Seed: Cincinnati Bengals (13‑3) – hosting the Jets or Colts in the Wild Card round.
• Wild Card 1: New York Jets (10‑5)
• Wild Card 2: Indianapolis Colts (9‑6)

The article also includes a link to a bracket generator, enabling fans to visualize different playoff outcomes based on the Bengals’ results.

6. Coaching Adjustments and Strategic Focus

Head coach Zac Taylor is cited as a pivotal player in the Bengals’ playoff run. The article links to a separate piece that profiles Taylor’s game‑planning process, including his emphasis on mid‑range passing routes and pre‑snap reads. Taylor’s coaching staff is also noted for having a strong special teams unit, a factor that could tip the scales in close games.

7. Fan Sentiment and Historical Context

Sporting News offers a sidebar featuring fan polls and historical comparisons. The article notes that the Bengals have not won a playoff game since 2021, underscoring the importance of this season’s performance. Fans are encouraged to share their hopes via social media, with the article linking to the Bengals’ official Twitter account.

Key Takeaways

1. Strong Regular‑Season Foundation: With a 12‑3 record, the Bengals have a realistic chance to secure a top‑four AFC seed.
2. Injury Management is Crucial: Player health, particularly for Joe Mixon and Tee Higgins, will dictate performance in the final games.
3. Division and Wildcard Races Intertwined: The Bengals must beat the Steelers and Colts while staying healthy to avoid being pushed into a lower seed.
4. Strategic Coaching Edge: Zac Taylor’s game‑planning and special teams focus will be vital in tight playoff scenarios.
5. Fan Engagement is Growing: The Bengals’ fanbase is rallying behind the team, especially after a strong regular season.

Final Thoughts

Sporting News’ in‑depth analysis provides a clear roadmap of what the Bengals need to achieve in the remaining games to ensure a comfortable playoff position. By weaving together statistics, injury reports, scheduling details, and strategic insights, the article paints a comprehensive picture of the Bengals’ postseason prospects. For fans and analysts alike, the article serves as a valuable resource for predicting the AFC’s playoff landscape and for celebrating the Bengals’ potential to break a four‑year playoff drought.