Despite their losing record, the Cincinnati Bengals remain alive in the AFC playoff race heading into Week 16, though their path to the postseason is far from straightforward. For the Bengals to have any hope, they must win their remaining games and rely on favorable results from other matchups. Luckily, their schedule presents a relatively favorable challenge, beginning with a divisional game against the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland will be starting rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, following Jameis Winston’s struggles. This quarterback change gives Cincinnati an opportunity to establish control early and potentially cruise to a much-needed victory. However, the Bengals face challenges on the defensive side of the ball. Star pass rusher Sam Hubbard is sidelined with a knee injury, leaving a significant gap in their defensive lineup.
In response, the Bengals have promoted defensive end Isaiah Thomas from the practice squad to the active roster. Thomas, a journeyman since entering the league in 2022, has spent time with both the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns. While not expected to make a major impact in this game, his presence adds depth to Cincinnati’s defense, which could prove crucial if the game becomes a grind.
This matchup against the Browns is one Cincinnati must win, given the stakes and the depleted state of Cleveland’s roster. The Browns’ ongoing struggles, coupled with Thompson-Robinson’s inexperience, offer the Bengals a prime chance to exploit their opponent’s weaknesses and maintain their faint playoff hopes.
Beyond this game, Cincinnati’s postseason fate will depend not only on their own performances but also on outcomes across the league. Their ability to secure victories in winnable games, like this one against Cleveland, will dictate whether they remain in the hunt. With several scenarios needing to break in their favor, the Bengals face a challenging uphill climb.
As Week 16 unfolds, Cincinnati clings to the possibility of postseason football. This matchup against the Browns is a pivotal test of their resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities, with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. The outcome of this game could set the tone for whether their season ends in disappointment or a last-minute surge into the playoffs.
