Joe Burrow fuels playoff ambitions as Bengals dominate Ravens
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals delivered a resounding performance against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night, securing a 32-14 victory that improved their record to 4-8 this season. With star quarterback Joe Burrow back in action, the air is thick with renewed hopes for a push toward the postseason.
Path to the Playoffs
For the Bengals to keep their playoff dreams alive, they require a series of favorable outcomes this week. At the forefront of their needs is a Buffalo Bills victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cincinnati’s most straightforward route to the playoffs hinges on winning the AFC North. Their recent win over Baltimore has brought them closer, but they still trail both the Ravens and Steelers, who sit at 6-6.
Should the Steelers fall to the Bills, the Bengals would find themselves just two games behind with five matchups remaining. While the wild card scenario seems less likely, it is not entirely out of reach. To bolster their chances, Bengals fans should also cheer for the Las Vegas Raiders to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers, the Washington Commanders to take down the Denver Broncos, and the New York Giants to overcome the New England Patriots.
Draft Position Considerations
Beyond the playoff chase, the Bengals are also eyeing their draft position as teams like the Commanders, Giants, and Tennessee Titans currently rank ahead of them. Aiming for victories from those teams could be beneficial. Additionally, a win from the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns, and Minnesota Vikings would help not only in the draft standings but also in terms of strength of schedule.
Burrow’s Mindset
Reflecting on the team’s approach, Burrow emphasized the importance of focusing on one game at a time. “I think we’ve just got to take it one game at a time,” he stated after the victory. “Yeah, we pretty much have to win every game at this point. The only way you’re going to do that is by attacking each week. You have to be 1-0 that week and move on to the next.”
If the Bills can secure a win against the Steelers, it would significantly open up the playoff landscape for Burrow and the Bengals.
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