Three reasons why the Bengals can sneak into the playoffs

The Bengals (7-6) are currently on the outside looking in on the AFC playoff picture. But with four weeks left in the regular season, here are three reasons why they can still find their way into the postseason.

Jake Browning

It took Browning, an undrafted rookie in 2019, a couple weeks to find his footing, but it seems Cincinnati is going to be just fine at quarterback after losing Joe Burrow for the season. The 27-year-old has led the Bengals to back-to-back wins, completing 50-of-61 for 629 yards, three touchdowns and just one interception.

Browning is no Burrow, but he is surely doing his best impression as of late, taking full advantage of one of the best set of weapons in the league. The five-year veteran certainly gives Cincinnati a chance to make the playoffs if he continues playing how he has the past two weeks.

Veteran defense

The Bengals don't have any big names that jump off the screen on defense. But most of the veteran group has now played together for a couple of years, giving them great continuity. It has been more of a bend don't break type of unit this year, allowing the second most total yards per game (379.2) in the league, but situationally, it's still one of the best.

Players like LB Logan Wilson, who leads the team in tackles (107) and forced fumbles (3), DE Trey Hendrickson, who leads the team in sacks (13.5) and tackles for a loss (14), and CB Cam Taylor-Britt, who leads the team in interceptions (4), could surely lead the way to the postseason.

Revenge games

Cincinnati's remaining schedule is not any easy one with its final four opponents combining for a 30-22 record. But the team has already defeated two playoff teams (8-5 Jaguars and 7-6 Colts) the last two weeks and is likely eyeing some revenge over the last month of the regular season.

The Bengals have their second meeting with the Steelers (7-6) in Week 16 and the Browns (8-5) in Week 18. They had lost to both earlier in the season, but finding a way to win both of those games could push Cincinnati into the playoffs and make its divisional rivals fall out. Now that would be some sweet revenge.