Bengals Playoff Chances: Could They Pull Off a Miracle?

The Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff chances are slim, and they only have themselves to blame. However, should the Bengals pull off a miracle and make the postseason, there is absolutely nobody who wants to play them.

There’s no doubt that the defense has been a major letdown this season. However, there is also no doubt that Joe Burrow and this passing offense are among the best in the league. After a slow start, poor defense and inconsistent special teams play, Cincinnati needs a bit of help heading into the final week of the regular season. Let’s take a look at the Cincinnati Bengals‘ playoff chances and odds, as well as the NFL Playoff Picture heading into Week 18.

Cincinnati Bengals’ Playoff Odds | FanDuel Sportsbook Promo Code Offer

The Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff odds show how much of a longshot it is that they make the postseason. However, we shouldn’t count this team out yet. On FanDuel Sportsbook, the Bengals’ playoff odds city at +1600. This means a $10 bet on Cincinnati to make the playoffs would win $160!

If you sign up through our FanDuel Sportsbook Promo Code link today, you can claim a great welcome offer for the NFL Playoffs! Bet $5 on any odds and you will win $250 in bonus bets if your wager is correct!

Cincinnati Bengals Playoff Chances

As the odds above suggest, the Cincinnati Bengals playoff chances are slim. However, this is a talented team that has been quite lucky in the past, so their luck could show itself once again in Week 18. As it stands right now, the Bengals have a 6% chance to make the NFL Playoffs, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

The first order of business for Cincinnati is the win their game. They have an AFC North matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which will be a very tough game. While Pittsburgh is coming off a three-game losing streak, they have had extra time to prepare for this game, and they will be getting a bit healthier as well. A win over the Steelers would make the Bengals’ playoff chances rise to just 11%. This is because they need a bit more help.

Currently, the Denver Broncos are the seventh seed in the NFL Playoffs. If they win, they clinch the playoff spot. If they lose, then Denver would need both Cincinnati and Miami to lose as well. If the Broncos lose and the Dolphins win, then Miami would slide into the playoffs.

This means the Cincinnati Bengals can only make the playoffs if they win and both the Broncos and Dolphins lose. While this may be unlikely, it is possible.

NFL Playoff Picture – 2024-25 NFL Playoff Standings

AFC Playoff Picture and Standings

1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)
2. Buffalo Bills (13-3)
3. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
4. Houston Texans (9-7)
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
7. Denver Broncos (9-7)
8. Miami Dolphins (8-8)
9. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)

NFC Playoff Picture and Standings

1. Detroit Lions (14-2)
2. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
3. Los Angeles Rams (10-6)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
5. Minnesota Vikings (14-2)
6. Washington Commanders (11-5)
7. Green Bay Packers (11-5)
8. Seattle Seahawks (9-7 — eliminated)
9. Atlanta Falcons (8-8)