Following the Week 16 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, the Cincinnati Bengals (9-6) are now one win away from securing a spot in the playoffs. The Bengals, unlike some AFC teams, have a clear path to the postseason and an AFC North title.
Here's the scenario for how the Bengals can clinch a playoff berth in Week 17:
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Cincinnati clinches AFC North division title with:
1. Cincinnati beats Kansas City
2. Cincinnati ties Kansas City and Baltimore loses or ties the Los Angeles Rams
3. Baltimore loses and Cleveland and Pittsburgh tie
Cincinnati clinches a playoff berth with:
1. Cincinnati tie + Los Angeles Chargers loss + Las Vegas Raiders loss + Miami loss or tie
2. Cincinnati tie + Chargers loss + Las Vegas loss + New England Patriots loss
3. Cincinnati tie + Chargers loss + Las Vegas tie + Miami loss or tie + New England win
4. Cincinnati tie + Chargers loss + Las Vegas tie + New England tie + Miami tie + Buffalo Bills win or tie
5. Cincinnati tie + Chargers loss + Las Vegas tie + New England loss + Miami win + Buffalo win or tie
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If the Bengals beat the Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) on Sunday, head coach Zac Taylor could rest his starters in Week 18 when the team completes the regular season in Cleveland.
But if Cincinnati were to lose against the Chiefs, the regular-season finale will become a must-win for the Bengals on the road.
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Currently, the Bengals are the No. 3 seed in the AFC.
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