Bengals Surge in AFC North Race After Burrow’s Remarkable Return
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals are making waves in the AFC North, closing the gap on the division leaders with a surprising resurgence. After a decisive victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night, the Bengals now stand just two games behind the Steelers and Ravens, both of whom are tied for first place in the division.
Cincinnati’s 32-14 win improved their record to 4-8, while Baltimore slipped to 6-6. This shift in momentum comes on the heels of a critical loss for the Steelers, who fell 26-7 to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, also bringing their record to 6-6. The Steelers have struggled recently, losing three of their last four contests, which has unexpectedly opened the door for the Bengals.
Playoff Hopes on the Rise
According to the New York Times NFL playoff simulator, Cincinnati’s playoff chances have risen to 6% following their Week 13 victory and the Steelers’ loss. As the season progresses, every game becomes increasingly crucial. “I think we’ve just got to take it one game at a time,” Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow stated, emphasizing the team’s focus on the immediate challenges ahead.
Burrow’s leadership was evident as he guided the team to victory against the Ravens just 69 days after undergoing surgery on his left big toe. He had suffered a grade 3 toe sprain during Cincinnati’s Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Remarkably, the Bengals have not lost in Burrow’s last eight starts, dating back to last season.
A Unique Division Landscape
The competitive landscape of the AFC North is notably unpredictable this year. “Our division is wide open,” Burrow remarked upon returning to practice on November 10. “Everything is still there in front of us. It’s very rare that our division looks like this, but it does this year. I think we’ll be at least in it until the end.”
Looking ahead, the Bengals are set to face the Bills in Buffalo next week, followed by a home game against the Ravens. Securing victories in both matchups could significantly boost their playoff odds to 31%, further igniting the hope within the team and its fanbase.
As Cincinnati continues to rally, the potential for a playoff berth remains alive, making their upcoming games crucial for both the team and their supporters. The journey for the Bengals is far from over, and with Burrow at the helm, they are poised to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.
