The Cincinnati Bengals clinched the AFC North last week, leaving them with somewhat limited playoff scenarios in Week 18. As a result, the Bengals are treating Week 18 as their own personal bye week of sorts, including resting QB Joe Burrow. Let’s examine the Bengals’ playoff scenarios in Week 18 and where they could wind up in the final NFL playoff picture of the 2021-22 season.
Cincinnati Bengals playoff scenarios in Week 18
The Chiefs’ victory Saturday has left the Bengals unable to finish as the No. 1 seed in the AFC. They could still end up as the second seed if results go their way. However, with the Bengals set to rest players, could they cost themselves the chance to potentially host two or more playoff games this year?
It is an interesting decision from the Bengals to rest Burrow in Week 18. On one hand, they have the opportunity to treat this week as a bye week for their superstar QB. However, they could be left regretting that decision by the end of Week 18.
If the Titans lose, the No. 2 seed would be there for the taking. Assuming they win on Wild Card Weekend, the second seed is assured of hosting a playoff game in the Divisional Round. Furthermore, the No. 2 seed could host the AFC Championship Game if the No. 1 seed were to lose in the Divisional Round. Additionally, it is not impossible that the No. 3 seed ends up hosting a Divisional Round game or the AFC Championship Game.
Obviously, there is a lot left to play out on the field before we question the Bengals’ decision-making. Let’s examine what needs to happen for the Bengals to wind up as the second, third, or fourth seeds in the AFC.
Which scenarios would see the Bengals as the No. 2 seed in the AFC?
The Bengals need at least two other results to go their way to wind up as the second seed.
It is unlikely but not impossible for this scenario to unfold. Here are the two scenarios that would leave Zac Taylor’s team as the second seed:
- Bengals win, Titans lose, and Patriots lose or tie
- Bengals win, Titans lose, and Bills win
What are the scenarios for the Bengals to finish as the AFC’s third seed?
There are a number of scenarios that would put the Bengals as the third seed. A victory would virtually lock it up, but even then, Cincy does need one or two other results to go their way.
- Bengals win, Titans win or tie, and Patriots lose or tie
- Bengals win, Titans win or tie, and Bills win
- Bengals win, Titans lose, Bills lose or tie, and Patriots win
- Bengals tie, Bills tie, and Patriots lose or tie
- Bengals lose or tie, Bills lose, and Patriots lose
What scenarios would leave Cincinnati as the fourth seed in the AFC?
Indeed, there is a scenario where, even with a win, the Bengals could be the fourth seed. However, that would require three other results to go against them. Let’s look at the six scenarios that would see the Bengals end as the fourth seed in the AFC.
- Bengals win, Titans win or tie, Bills lose or tie, and Patriots win
- Bengals tie and Bills win
- Bengals tie and Patriots win
- Bengals tie, Bills lose, and Patriots tie
- Bengals lose and Bills win or tie
- Bengals lose, Bills lose, and Patriots win or tie