Who will Bengals play next? Cincinnati's playoff schedule explained
The Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens faced each other in the final AFC Super Wild Card game. The prize before the game was simple: whoever won would go through to the divisional round.
The Cincinnati Bengals had won the AFC North and were the third seed in the AFC. The Baltimore Ravens finished one game behind them in the same division. But since they did not win the division, they were a Wild Card entry and the sixth seed.
Since the seventh seed, the Miami Dolphins were eliminated earlier today, the Ravens were the lowest-ranked team still in the playoffs when the game began. So, if they had gone through, they would have played the top-ranked team in the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs. If the Bengals were to go through, they would have played the Buffalo Bills instead, because then the lowest-remaining seed will be the Jaguars, who will travel to Kansas instead.
With their 24 - 17 win, the Cincinnati Bengals will now proceed to the divisional round to play the Buffalo Bills on the road. If they beat the Bills, they will go toe-to-toe with the Chiefs in the AFC Championship.
AND THE BENGALS ARE HEADED TO BUFFALO! 🧡🖤 In a 24-17 win against the @Ravens, the @Bengals are advancing to the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. #RuleTheJungle #RuleThePlayoffs #Bengals #BALvsCIN https://t.co/Yw1Qs7rAVL
Who are the other teams in the AFC other than the Cincinnati Bengals who have made it to the divisional round?
The first team to the make it to the divisional round from the AFC were the Kansas City Chiefs. Securing the overall first seed, they had a bye during the Wild Card round.
Joining them after their amazing comeback on Saturday were the AFC South champions Jacksonville Jaguars, who defeated the Los Angeles Chargers. Sunday also saw the Buffalo Bills defeat the Miami Dolphins to proceed to the next round.
The Cincinnati Bengals have now completed the set. The four AFC teams are set to play an enthralling next round. Here is the full list of AFC Divisional Round fixtures.
- Kansas City Chiefs v Jacksonville Jaguars @ Kansas
- Buffalo Bills v Cincinnati Bengals @ Buffalo
Mark your calendars. The Division Round slate is here 🗓 https://t.co/dSKrjfDj8c
Both these games promise to be fascinating matchups. The Bills versus Bengals game will be especially emotional after their last match was called off due to Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest during the game. Thankfully, the news has improved on that front.
The AFC is arguably the stronger division right now when compared to the NFC and all the teams will believe they are capable of winning the Super Bowl should they win their next two games. But before that, there is still a lot to play for and next weekend will be bigger than ever.