Playoff Chances Rise Slightly for the Cincinnati Bengals in December

As the NFL regular season enters its final month, the Cincinnati Bengals have seen a subtle but notable uptick in their playoff hopes—a shift from uncertainty in November to cautious optimism in December. After a midseason slump marked by injuries and inconsistent offense, the Bengals have won three of their last four games, tightening their grip on a wild-card spot and narrowing the gap with division rivals. Playoff Chances Rise Slightly for the Cincinnati Bengals in December explores the key factors driving this momentum: a favorable late-season schedule, the return of key players, and improved execution on both sides of the ball. For Bengals fans, the December surge isn’t just a winning streak—it’s a reminder that this team, which reached the Super Bowl just two seasons ago, still has the talent to make a postseason run.

Playoff Chances Rise Slightly for the Cincinnati Bengals in December begins with the team’s schedule advantage, a critical factor in their playoff resurgence. After facing a brutal stretch of opponents (including the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and San Francisco 49ers) in October and November, the Bengals’ December slate features more winnable matchups: home games against the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals, and road games against the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers—all teams with .500 or worse records as of early December. “This schedule gives us a chance to build momentum,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said in a press conference. “We know we can’t take any game for granted, but facing teams we match up well against lets us refine our game plan and build confidence heading into the final week.” The Bengals capitalized early, beating the Colts 34-14 in Week 14 behind a 300-yard passing performance from Joe Burrow. The win pushed their record to 7-6, moving them into the seventh and final wild-card spot in the AFC. For a team that was 4-5 just a month prior, the schedule has been a lifeline—one that’s helping them climb back into playoff contention.

Playoff Chances Rise Slightly for the Cincinnati Bengals in December continues with the return of key players, a boost that has strengthened both offense and defense. After missing six games with a calf injury, star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase returned in Week 13, immediately making an impact: he caught seven passes for 97 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, reigniting the Bengals’ passing attack. “Having Ja’Marr back changes everything,” Burrow said. “He draws double teams, opens up space for other receivers, and gives us a playmaker who can turn a short pass into a long gain.” The defense also got a lift with the return of linebacker Logan Wilson, who missed four games with a shoulder injury. Wilson recorded 12 tackles and an interception in his first game back, helping the Bengals hold the Vikings to just 17 points in Week 15. The return of these two Pro Bowl-caliber players has fixed critical gaps: before Chase’s return, the Bengals’ passing offense ranked 22nd in yards per game; with him back, they’ve jumped to 15th. Similarly, Wilson’s presence has stabilized a linebacker corps that struggled to stop the run without him. For the Bengals, these returns aren’t just about adding talent—they’re about restoring the team’s identity as a balanced, tough competitor.

Playoff Chances Rise Slightly for the Cincinnati Bengals in December shifts to the team’s improved offensive execution, particularly in the red zone and on third down—two areas that haunted them earlier in the season. Through the first 10 games, the Bengals converted just 52% of their red zone trips into touchdowns, ranking 24th in the NFL. In December, that number has jumped to 71%, with Burrow finding tight end Tee Higgins and running back Joe Mixon for key scores. Against the Cardinals in Week 16, the Bengals scored touchdowns on all three of their red zone trips, including a 1-yard plunge by Mixon that sealed the win. Third-down efficiency has also improved: the Bengals now convert 41% of their third downs (up from 35% in November), thanks in part to Burrow’s ability to extend plays with his legs. “We’ve been working on red zone and third-down drills every day in practice,” offensive coordinator Brian Callahan said. “We’re simplifying our playbook, letting our playmakers make plays, and it’s paying off.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this offensive improvement is critical—especially in tight games. In their three December wins, the Bengals won by an average of 12 points, a stark contrast to their earlier losses, which often came down to missed opportunities in the red zone. The offense is now clicking at the right time, giving the team a fighting chance in every game.

Playoff Chances Rise Slightly for the Cincinnati Bengals in December delves into the defense’s late-season resurgence, which has complemented the offense’s success. After allowing an average of 28 points per game in October and November, the Bengals’ defense has held opponents to just 19 points per game in December, thanks to improved pass rush and better secondary play. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson has been a force, recording four sacks in three December games, including two in a win over the Steelers. “Trey’s getting to the quarterback faster, and that’s disrupting opposing offenses,” defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said. The secondary, which struggled with injuries earlier in the season, has also stepped up: cornerback Chidobe Awuzie has recorded two interceptions in December, and safety Jessie Bates III has broken up five passes, including a game-saving deflection against the Vikings. This defensive improvement has turned close games into wins: against the Jaguars, the defense held Jacksonville to just 10 points in the second half, erasing a 7-point deficit. For the Cincinnati Bengals, a strong defense is non-negotiable in the playoffs—where low-scoring, grind-it-out games are common. Their December resurgence on that side of the ball suggests they’re building the kind of toughness needed to compete in the postseason.

Playoff Chances Rise Slightly for the Cincinnati Bengals in December wraps up with the team’s playoff outlook and the challenges that remain. As of Week 16, the Bengals sit at 9-6, holding the sixth wild-card spot in the AFC, with a 78% chance of making the playoffs according to NFL.com’s playoff predictor—up from 22% in early November. Their final game of the regular season is a road matchup against the Ravens, a division rival that has already beaten them once this season. A win would likely secure them a top-six wild-card spot, avoiding a potential “win-or-go-home” scenario in the first round. However, challenges remain: Burrow is still playing through a lingering wrist injury, and the offensive line has struggled to protect him at times. “We know we’re not a perfect team,” Taylor said. “But we’re playing our best football when it matters most, and that’s all you can ask for this time of year.” For Bengals fans, the December surge has reignited hope of a deep playoff run—one that could mirror their 2021 Super Bowl run. Whether they make it or not, one thing is clear: the Bengals have fought their way back from the brink, turning a disappointing season into a chance to compete for a championship. In the end, Playoff Chances Rise Slightly for the Cincinnati Bengals in December is a story of resilience—of a team that refused to quit, even when the odds were stacked against them. As the regular season ends, the Bengals are proving that in the NFL, momentum in December can be the most valuable asset of all.