NFL analyst Robert Mays remains optimistic about the Cincinnati Bengals’ slim yet persistent playoff chances. Speaking on the “Up & Adams” show, Mays, host of The Athletic Football Show, acknowledged the uphill battle the Bengals face but insisted they aren’t out of contention just yet. His unwavering faith in quarterback Joe Burrow and the team’s resilience continues to fuel his belief.
When asked by Kay Adams to weigh the playoff prospects of the Colts, Dolphins, and Bengals, Mays leaned toward the Colts as the likeliest candidate. However, he was quick to express his lingering hope for Cincinnati, stating, “I still have a candle lit for the Cincinnati Bengals. If the Chiefs lose to the Texans and make Week 18 crucial for Kansas City, you can see a pathway for the Bengals. Maybe it’s because of the level Joe Burrow has played at this year—I just refuse to count them out, even if their road is tougher.”
Currently standing at 6-8, the Bengals face daunting odds, with only a 10% chance of making the postseason, according to The New York Times. However, their recent victory over the Tennessee Titans has kept their hopes alive, albeit hanging by a thread. To stay in the hunt, the Bengals must win all three of their remaining regular-season games—a tall order but not impossible.
A win against the Cleveland Browns in Week 16 would nudge their playoff odds from 10% to 12%. Success against the Denver Broncos in Week 17 would push that number to 15%. Week 18 becomes do-or-die, as a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers could elevate their chances to 20%. But any loss along the way, especially to the Browns, would all but extinguish their hopes.
The Bengals’ fate isn’t entirely in their hands. They’ll need help from AFC rivals, particularly the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs. If these teams falter, the Bengals might sneak into a wild-card spot. Mays emphasizes that while Burrow’s brilliance can carry the team, Cincinnati’s defense must step up to secure critical victories in the final stretch.
With the odds stacked against them, the Bengals are fighting not just for a playoff berth but also to prove their resilience. As Mays suggests, their chances may be slim, but as long as there’s a flicker of possibility, this team—and its fans—won’t stop believing.
NFL analyst still holds a ‘candle lit’ for Joe Burrow’s Bengals making the 2024 playoffs
