The Cincinnati Bengals would be in the playoffs if the season ended today, which would have been a remarkable statement when Joe Burrow went down with a season-ending wrist injury last month. Jake Browning has continued to step up in Burrow’s absence, and the Bengals had plenty of other contributors in the club’s Week 15 overtime win over the Minnesota Vikings.
On the most recent edition of The PFN Bengals Podcast, we recap Bengals-Vikings, discuss where Cincinnati stands in the AFC playoff picture, and preview Bengals-Steelers.
PFN Bengals Podcast: Back in the AFC Wild Card Race
Cincinnati is now the AFC’s No. 6 seed after managing an incredible fourth-quarter comeback against the Vikings on Saturday afternoon.
Browning was again efficient in his third NFL start, shaking off a third-quarter interception to lead three fourth-quarter scoring drives to get the game to overtime. Can Browning keep it up as the regular season comes to a close?
MORE: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart
Tee Higgins stepped up in a big way in Week 15, rebounding after a first-half drop to score two touchdowns, including a score via one of the most ridiculous catches you’ll ever see. If Ja’Marr Chase (shoulder) misses Week 16, Higgins will become the Bengals’ WR1.
And while Cincinnati’s defense continued to give up explosive plays on Sunday, the unit also came through when it mattered most. Slot CB Mike Hilton intercepted Nick Mullens in the red zone, while the Bengals’ defensive line stopped consecutive tush pushes on third and fourth-and-inches in overtime.
Injuries could be a problem for Cincinnati moving forward. Chase is banged up while defensive tackle DJ Reader (quad) and cornerback D.J. Ivey (torn ACL) are done for the season. Can the Bengals replace Reader? Is outside CB depth becoming a problem?
We’ll be returning to your airwaves each and every week — join us next week when we recap Bengals-Steelers and preview Cincinnati’s Week 17 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Want to predict the rest of the 2023 season with our FREE NFL Playoff Predictor? Looking for the most up-to-date NFL standings? What about a breakdown of team depth charts or the NFL schedule? Pro Football Network has you covered with that and more!
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