Ted Karras fuels Bengals’ playoff aspirations with bold Buffalo prediction
CINCINNATI — As the Bengals gear up for a crucial stretch, Ted Karras and the team’s offensive line are eager to seize their opportunity for a playoff push. Karras emphasized the importance of consistency in their performances, particularly after a recent win over the Steelers. “Yeah, it does. I mean, we got to keep winning ball games, though,” Karras remarked, his enthusiasm palpable. “That was a good one Thursday night. We got to build off it, like we failed to do after the first one against the Steelers.”
Playoff Picture and Path Forward
Currently, Cincinnati’s chances of making the playoffs stand at a mere 7.1% according to ESPN’s Football Power Index. However, The Athletic’s projection offers a brighter outlook, suggesting that if the Bengals can finish the season at 9-8, their playoff chances would soar to 92%. Achieving that goal won’t be straightforward, but history is on their side; the Bengals boast an impressive 13-3 record in December and January during the Joe Burrow era.
Confidence runs high within the locker room, as players believe they can compete in any game with Burrow under center. “Yeah, for sure. We knew coming in, everything was still in front of us,” safety Jordan Battle noted following last week’s victory. “We are still in the division; we are now 3-1, so we’ve just got to win out. We can’t worry about what place we are in or the chances of making the playoffs. Take every game seriously and like it were your last.”
Upcoming Challenges
With critical games on the horizon, including a matchup against the Buffalo Bills, the Bengals are focused on treating every contest like a playoff game. “We have some great games coming down the stretch. We have the Bills next week and then the Ravens again. Those are two huge games we have to win,” Battle explained. “We just keep playing with the energy we played with tonight and keep motivating each other to go play football.”
Karras’ Buffalo Anticipation
Karras is particularly excited about returning to Buffalo, a place where he has spent significant time over his ten-year career. “I can’t wait; there’s only been one year out of ten where I didn’t play in Buffalo. So, I’m really excited. Sure, someone’s gonna show me their ass. So excited,” Karras joked, reflecting on the energetic atmosphere that typically accompanies games in Buffalo.
The Bengals are set to clash with the Bills at 1 p.m. ET this Sunday, with both teams aware of the stakes involved as they battle for playoff positioning.
