Joe Burrow speaks at press conference after returning to practice
Joe Burrow speaks at press conference after returning to practice on Monday November 10, 2025.
Joe Burrow believes the Cincinnati Bengals could still be a playoff team.
Despite the Bengals‘ 3-6 record, Burrow remains optimistic that the Bengals could win their division and, in turn, clinch a playoff spot, he told reporters during a press conference on Monday, Nov. 10. The conference followed his return to practice after roughly two months.
“Our division is wide open,” Burrow said. “I think Pittsburgh’s five and four at this point. We play them this week, so you know, everything is still there in front of us.”
“It’s very rare that our division looks like this, but it does this year,” he added. “And I think we’ll be at least in it until the end.”
The Bengals are currently third in the AFC North, but no team in the division has a strong lead. The Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4) are first, followed by the Baltimore Ravens (4-5), the Bengals (3-6) and the Cleveland Browns (2-7).
Burrow said winning the division is “the best” path to the playoffs. An NFL team that doesn’t win its division can still make the playoffs by securing a wild card spot, which requires the team to have one of the best overall records in its conference. But Burrow said this is unlikely.
“I think it would be very difficult for us to be a wild card team at this point,” he said. “Obviously, a lot of football to be played, but I think that’s difficult.”
The Bengals have been without their star quarterback for 57 days. Nov. 10 marked the first day Burrow returned to practice, albeit in a limited capacity, since he suffered a turf toe injury that sent him to surgery.
It’s unclear when Burrow will return to starting this season. Burrow expressed a desire to play in the Bengals vs. Ravens matchup on Thanksgiving, but said it depends on several factors, including his health.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor made it clear Burrow won’t play against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Nov. 16. The Bengals play the Steelers at 1 p.m. at Acrisure Stadium, formerly Heinz Field.