Bengals' Playoff Hopes In Jeopardy: Chiefs' Potential Mid-Game Gamble Against Broncos
The Cincinnati Bengals' playoff hopes took a significant hit on Sunday after a disappointing 24-21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Bengals now sit at 11-4, tied with the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets for the final AFC Wild Card spot. The Bengals' remaining schedule features a crucial matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17. The Chiefs are currently 12-3 and have a commanding lead in the AFC West. However, the Bengals' playoff hopes could be in jeopardy if the Chiefs decide to rest their starters in Week 17.
Chiefs' Rest Strategy
The Chiefs have a bye in Week 18, which means they could potentially rest their starters in Week 17 without sacrificing any playoff seeding. Resting starters is a common strategy for teams that have already clinched a playoff berth, as it allows them to avoid injuries and give their players a chance to recover before the playoffs. The Chiefs have a history of resting their starters in Week 17, as they did so in 2019 and 2021. In both of those seasons, the Chiefs went on to win the Super Bowl.
Bengals' Playoff Chances
If the Chiefs do decide to rest their starters in Week 17, the Bengals' playoff hopes would take a significant hit. The Bengals currently have a 1-game lead over the Ravens and Jets for the final Wild Card spot. However, the Ravens and Jets both have easier remaining schedules than the Bengals. The Ravens play the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Atlanta Falcons in their final three games. The Jets play the Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks, and Miami Dolphins in their final three games. The Bengals, on the other hand, play the Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Ravens in their final three games.
If the Bengals lose to the Chiefs in Week 17, they would need to win their final two games against the Bills and Ravens to make the playoffs. The Bills are one of the best teams in the NFL and the Ravens are a tough divisional opponent. The Bengals would be heavy underdogs in both of those games. Even if the Bengals win both of those games, they could still miss the playoffs if the Ravens or Jets win their final three games.
Conclusion
The Bengals' playoff hopes are in jeopardy if the Chiefs decide to rest their starters in Week 17. The Bengals have a tough remaining schedule and would need to win their final two games against the Bills and Ravens to make the playoffs. Even if the Bengals win both of those games, they could still miss the playoffs if the Ravens or Jets win their final three games. The Bengals' fate is ultimately in the hands of the Chiefs. If the Chiefs decide to rest their starters, the Bengals' playoff hopes could be dashed.