NFL analyst still has a 'candle lit' for Joe Burrow's Cincinnati Bengals making the 2024 playoffs
NFL analyst Robert Mays is still holding onto a glimmer of hope for the Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff chances. On the "Up & Adams" show, Mays, who is the host of "The Athletic Football Show," shared that while the odds are slim, the Bengals aren't out of the race yet.
As Kay Adams asked Mays about which team has the best shot of making the playoffs among the Colts, Dolphins, and the Bengals, he mentioned the Colts. However, the NFL analyst said:
"I still have a candlelit for the Cincinnati Bengals. If the Chiefs can somehow win this game, or if the Chiefs can somehow lose this game against the Texans and it makes Week 18 necessary for Kansas City, then you can see the path for this Bengals team. And maybe it’s just because of the level that Joe Burrow has played at this year. I refuse to ignore them, even if their path is a little bit tougher than those other two teams."
Well, the Bengals are currently sitting at 6-8. Therefore, it is understandable that their path to the NFL playoffs would be quite daunting.
Cincinnati Bengals' chances of making it to the post-season is 10%, reports The New York Times
Cincinnati's recent win against Tennessee has kept their hopes alive. However, with just three NFL games remaining, there is no room for error. To have any chance, the Bengals must win in each of their final three regular-season games.
Their playoff chances would jump from 10% to 12% if the Bengals win in Week 16 against the Cleveland Browns. Next, a win over the Denver Broncos in Week 17 would push it to 15%. The stakes are highest in Week 18 when the Bengals meet the Pittsburgh Steelers. A win could improve their playoff odds to 20%.
On the flip side, any loss would decrease those chances. Mainly, a defeat to the Browns, in particular, would drop their odds to nearly zero.
The Bengals' fate also depends on AFC rivals like the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs. If these teams falter, it could open the door for the Bengals to slip into a wild card spot, Mays pointed out.
Moreover, Joe Burrow-led Bengals' offense is another hope for the team. But the defense needs to show up and deliver when it counts in the coming weeks to make a last-ditch push for the playoffs.