After Joe Burrow participated in practice throughout the week, optimism increased about the potential chances of the Cincinnati Bengals securing their franchise quarterback in Week 12 against the New England Patriots. Unfortunately, it turned out to be fool’s gold, as the team opted to keep Joe Flacco in the lineup for one more week.
With Ja’Marr Chase suspended for the game, it was going to make it wildly more challenging for the team to get a victory. With another loss in the record column, the AFC North went further out of reach for them, even as Burrow was likely to return next week. As a result, their dreams of a postseason berth went down in a major way.
Can the Bengals Still Make the Playoffs?
The team had high hopes that their fortunes would finally change this season. As a result, they were willing to pay Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase historic deals, with the latter becoming the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history.
Missing the postseason in consecutive years, they needed to get back on track. Unfortunately, the 2025 season did not start right. Losing Joe Burrow less than two full games into the year, things have only gone from bad to worse.
Jake Browning took over quarterbacking duties, but finishing as the worst-ranked quarterback on PFSN’s QB Impact, he was disastrous for the offense. As a result, the team brought in Joe Flacco via trade, who immediately made a massive impact for them.
While the offensive output saw a significant uptick, the defense’s failings meant that they could only add one more win in nine weeks. Unfortunately, things did not get better in Week 12.
Even though the defense put together a decent outing, the loss of Chase and a heavily banged-up Higgins was too much for the team to overcome. While they tried to lead a game-winning touchdown drive in the waning moments of the game, it came to naught, as they turned it over on downs.
Down to 3-8, it seemed like the ultimate death nail in their coffin. According to PFSN’s Playoff Predictor, the Bengals currently have a 0.80% chance to make the playoffs.
Even with Burrow likely returning next week alongside Chase, the gap between Cincy and the 6-5 Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers might be too steep to overcome.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.Â
