Analyzing Bengals' Playoff Chances Ahead of Week 17 Matchup With Chiefs

Cincinnati is 8-7 following their Week 16 loss to Pittsburgh.

CINCINNATI — The Bengals might've lost to the Steelers in Week 16, but they still have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs. 

The path is simple: They need to win their final two games. 

The Bengals head to Kansas City to play the Chiefs on Sunday. They're 3-1 against the Chiefs over the past two seasons, including 1-1 in AFC Championship Games. 

Both teams look vulnerable. Kansas City lost to Las Vegas 20-14 on Monday and have lost four of their last six games. The Bengals are coming off of a 34-11 loss to the Steelers.

Cincinnati currently has a 17% chance to make the playoffs according to the New York Times playoff predictor. That number jumps to 53% with a win over the Chiefs

If the Bengals can win in Kansas City and then beat Cleveland in the regular season finale at Paycor Stadium on Jan. 7, their playoff chances jump to 93% according to the playoff predictor. 

If they split their final two games and finish 9-8, they have less than a 20% chance to make the playoffs and would need a lot of help to qualify for the postseason for a third-straight year. 

The Bengals are currently the No. 10 seed in the AFC. They're tied with the Steelers, Colts and Texans at 8-7. 

As ugly as their loss was to Pittsburgh, they're close to controlling their own destiny. Ten wins appears to be the magic number. 

They need to win their final two games. If they do that, they'll have a great chance of making the playoffs. 

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