The Cincinnati Bengals need several things to go right in order to sneak into the playoffs.
One of those is likely hoping Kansas City Chiefs backups can beat the Denver Broncos in Week 18.
From the sounds of early returns, the Chiefs could indeed rest starters with the No. 1 seed in the AFC locked up. The only question was if Andy Reid and the Chiefs were willing to let the starters rest for two-plus weeks by skipping Week 18 before sitting out on the Round 1 bye.
History certainly suggests Reid will rest starters, as he did in 2013, 2017, 2020 and 2023—just keep in mind the Chiefs went 2-2 in those games anyway and one of the losses featured them missing a last-second field goal.
But there’s also this Bengals-related nugget to keep in mind, as pointed out by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer: “Also, Joe Burrow and the Bengals are the team that’s been the biggest thorn in the Chiefs’ side over the last half-decade. Kansas City has the opportunity now, with Denver next and the 1 seed locked up, to keep Burrow and Cincy out of the playoffs.”
No matter what the Chiefs decide, for the Bengals, this is the cost of another slow start to a season under head coach Zac Taylor. The Chiefs don’t do similar things, so when late December rolls around, they get to rest up before a playoff run.
As for the Bengals, they need Dolphins and Broncos losses, plus a win over the Steelers to make the big dance.
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