Joe Burrow’s season isn’t over. He has played his part, but unfortunately, his fate is out of his hands. After a gritty 19-17 win over the Steelers, the Bengals quarterback now has his hopes to move to the playoffs.

And in a bold move, Burrow publicly asked Chiefs coach Andy Reid to field key starters against Denver on Sunday. Burrow, known for his composed demeanor, added a touch of humor to the plea. “I don’t know how many guys are playing for them. Hopefully some,” Burrow said with a chuckle. His comment reflects Cincinnati’s precarious playoff position despite their five-game winning streak.

After ending the regular season at 9-8, the Bengals playoff bid comes with some pretty complex equations. They need Denver to lose to Kansas City. On the other hand, they also need Miami to stumble against the Jets to sneak into the playoffs. Regardless, Burrow showcased his finesse against Pittsburg.

His precise 12-yard touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase set the tone early. And the 277-yard performance underscored his ability to lead under pressure. Burrow delivered when it mattered most. Despite an interception that ended his record-breaking streak of consecutive 250-yard and three-touchdown games. The Bengals’ defense also stepped up.

They held the Steelers to 193 yards. An impressive turnaround, one would say, after allowing 520 yards in their last matchup. Burrow knows the odds are slim but remains optimistic. “We’ve won the last five; we won today. Put ourselves in a spot to potentially get in with some help. The odds are long, but we got a shot,” Burrow said. Beyond the numbers, Burrow’s leadership defines Cincinnati’s late-season surge.

After a 4-8 start, the Bengals clawed their way back into contention, embodying resilience. Burrow credited his team’s ability to ‘step up’ in critical moments. Especially younger players. “We’ve had some young guys step up in spots, and they’ve been showing a lot of promise, and so that’s exciting,” Burrow said post-game. One would argue that this optimistic approach has brought the team to where it stands in the regular season.

Burrow’s Sunday plans and the Bengals’ future

Looking ahead, Burrow plans to spend Sunday lifting weights and reviewing game tape. And of course, watching the all-important Chiefs and Jets games. “It’s not ideal,” he admitted, “but we know we’ve put ourselves in this position.”

However, Burrow accepted their shortcomings. “Anytime you don’t make the playoffs, it’s a failure,” he said. “That’s what you’re aiming for every year. That’s why you work so hard. To be at your best in the end. And these last five weeks we have been, we just weren’t able to find an extra win early in the season that would put us in a better spot.”

Burrow is already looking ahead to building on this season’s progress as the Bengals hope for a miracle on Sunday. Ja’Marr Chase’s stellar performance (96 yards and a touchdown) highlights the team’s offensive potential. Cincinnati seems to have a solid foundation. Young players are stepping into key roles and the defense finding its stride.

Burrow’s impact is undeniable. Regardless of Cincinnati’s playoff chances. His leadership and ability to inspire his team have positioned the Bengals as a contender. As the final day of the season unfolds, Burrow’s focus remains clear: “It was a big win… Now we can sit back and hope.”