Chiefs Beat Steelers, Bengals' Playoff Chances Take Big Hit Ahead of Week 17 Matchup With Broncos

The Bengals' playoff chances took a hit on Wednesday...

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) catches his breath after taking a hit in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 11 game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. The Chargers won 34-27. / Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — The Bengals' playoff chances took a hit on Wednesday.

No, Cincinnati doesn't play until Saturday and the teams they need to lose still haven't played this week, but their chances of getting help in Week 18 took a hit.

The Chiefs beat the Steelers 29-10. Why does that impact the Bengals?

It means Kansas City is 15-1. They officially clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

The Bengals need to beat the Broncos and Steelers in the final two games of the season. They also need Denver to lose to Kansas City in Week 18. That became less likely with the Chiefs clinching the top seed.

Kansas City could certainly rest Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones and any other key starters now that they're guaranteed to have a bye week. The Chiefs could still beat the Broncos, but it's certainly less likely.

The Bengals also need the Dolphins and Colts to lose one of their final two games to qualify for the postseason.

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