Talk about a downfall, and you can look at the Steelers this season. It looks like somebody has put an evil eye on Mike Tomlin‘s team. Once ruling the division, the Steelers just suffered their fourth straight loss in Week 18, bringing their total to seven losses. The Joe Burrow-led Bengals handed Russell Wilson and Co. a close 17-19 defeat in the regular season finale. But what does this win mean for the Bengals? 

Well, the chances are slim, but they still exist. They have done their part, and now they are depending on the other teams. For Joe Burrow and Co. to make it to the postseason, the Chiefs must win against the Broncos at any cost. Moreover, the Dolphins must lose to the Jets in their last game. If these two scenarios fall in place for the Bengals, they’ll head to Highmark Stadium to face Josh Allen and the Bills in the playoffs.

Well, folks, this can’t get any crazier. If things fall in place for the Bengals, they’ll be tied with the Broncos at 9-8 and their PCTs would decide the last AFC spot. In the case of their qualification, it’ll be exciting to watch two top-tier QBs, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow, go head-to-head. You can expect a game full of action and intense moments.

Almost on the threshold of elimination, it looks like hope came knocking on the Bengals‘ door. Cincinnati fans must be on cloud nine after week 18, and they have every reason to be. The Bengals will now be closely watching the upcoming games that will decide their fate. 

Fingers crossed for Joe Burrow and Co.

The Bengals might have kept their slim playoff hopes alive, but there are a lot of ‘ifs’ standing in their way. This is why teams should ensure they don’t leave things unfinished until the last day, just cross it off the list early, as the Lions and Chiefs did. That said, these nerve-wracking games are setting us up for some top-notch entertainment. The Bengals are praying for the Broncos to lose, but honestly, Sean Payton’s squad has better odds of making it to the playoffs than Zac Taylor’s team. However, they’ll be up against Andy Reid‘s Chiefs. A silver lining for the Broncos? Patrick Mahomes and other key players won’t be suiting up, which could give Denver the upper hand.

But then again, who can guarantee the Jets will beat the Dolphins? Aaron Rodgers’s team has been a massive disappointment this season. With only four wins under their belt, they’ll face the Dolphins. For Miami, Tua Tagovailoa won’t be playing in the finale due to a hip injury, and Tyler Huntley will step in as the starting QB. The Dolphins’ playoff hopes are also in the hands of the Chiefs. If Mahomes and Co. beat the Broncos and the Dolphins win, they still have a shot at the postseason.

Even the Dolphins have a better chance of making it to the playoffs than the Bengals. Looks like there’s no rest for us this week. In just a few hours, everyone still hanging in the balance will know their fate. Whether it’s the Broncos, Burrow’s Bengals, or Tua and Co., we’ll find out soon enough. So buckle up, NFL fans, as we dive straight into the final week of the season, which will break some hearts and have others jumping with joy.