Playoffs? For the 3-6 Cincinnati Bengals? The Bengals, who have the worst defense since the forward pass was invented (or so)? The same Bengals that scored 80 points over two games and walked away with two losses? Those Bengals? Playoffs??

Yes, the Cincinnati Bengals’ playoffs have begun. It’s officially win-or-go-home season with the bye week in the rearview. The AFC North is, overall, a mess, so it’s looking like a one-bid division, barring abject chaos.

Are the Bengals going to the playoffs this year? Probably not. However, with the team opening the 21-day practice window for Joe Burrow following his Grade III tear that required surgery, there has been a jolt of optimism. The team has three weeks to decide whether or not Burrow will be activated. If not, he will be done for the year.

Those three weeks? The Bengals are at the Pittsburgh Steelers, at home versus the New England Patriots, and then at the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving. All reporting indicates that Burrow is working on that Thanksgiving game as his goal to return. That would mean he was able to rehab a three-month injury in two months.

Therein lies the risk with his return, as we’ve seen with Brock Purdy and his turf toe. At the same time, Burrow is the ultimate competitor, and keeping him out for long was not going to be an option if he could help it. Now, with a possibility of two games standing between the Bengals and Burrow’s return, the playoffs start now. The margin for error is razor-thin, if it exists at all.

The Playoffs Start This Week for the Cincinnati Bengals
Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor watches from the sidelines during their game against the Bears at Paycor Stadium on Sunday November 2, 2025. The Bears won the game with a final score of 47-42.

There are eight games remaining on the Bengals’ schedule:

Despite sitting at 3-6, there is optimism in the offense. Led by Joe Flacco, the Bengals’ offense has been one of the best over the last few weeks. Against the Chicago Bears, Flacco set a new career high with his first 400+ yard game. Of course, thanks to the defense, it was a necessity.

Lining up with Flacco, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and the rest of the offense, the Bengals believe they can run with anyone. The issue is the fact that no matter how good that offense has been, it hasn’t been able to overcome the other side of the ball.

Much has been said (rightfully so) about the ineptitude of the Bengals’ defense. It is the worst in the league and is on pace to be the worst since the Bill Clinton administration. While there could be some hope with the Steelers up next, who haven’t gone over 300 yards of offense since the Bengals beat them in Week 7, the following four weeks loom large.

Can the Bengals go on a run of shutting down potential MVP Drake Maye, Josh Allen, and the entire Ravens offense twice in three weeks? Needless to say, if Cincinnati can make a legitimate run, it will have earned it.

Does Burrow’s Return Even Matter?

Burrow’s return will give the offense a kick, ideally. Unfortunately, he doesn’t play defense.

The Bengals must win each of the next two weeks to stay in contention for Burrow to try and steer the ship to the playoffs. Burrow knows how important divisional games are, hence his goal to return at Baltimore. Recently, he’s done well against the back-to-back divisional champs. Last year, despite two losses, the Bengals’ offense was electric, led by Burrow.

In Week 5, Burrow was 30/39 for 392 yards and five touchdowns. In Week 10, he was 34/56 for 428 yards and four touchdowns.

Historically, the Bengals’ defense has gotten better as the season progressed under Zac Taylor. However, that was with Lou Anarumo. Al Golden hasn’t shown that his unit is going to improve. Conversely, the defense has only gotten worse. For example, look at Justin Fields‘ last four games. He torched the Bengals for 244 yards and a touchdown. Those other three games combined resulted in 145 yards, one touchdown, and an interception.

Playoffs??

Burrow’s return will be a great story.

Don’t hold your breath about a Bengals playoff bid. At this point, the Bengals are in their own playoffs and will need to rattle off eight straight to get into the postseason. The only margin for error would be if they lost to one of those non-divisional foes. Cincinnati cannot afford to lose a single AFC North matchup. The Steelers hold a one-game lead over the Ravens, who are one game ahead of the Bengals.

If Cincinnati wins out, it needs the Steelers to lose at least one more. With two matchups against the Ravens left, it’s possible.

It’s highly, highly, highly, highly improbable the Bengals win the division, but it’s possible.

None of it will matter if they come back from Acrisure Stadium without a win. Oh, and Trey Hendrickson is doubtful. It’s mock draft season in Cincinnati. A playoff run would be a miracle.

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