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Cincinnati Bengals could finish 8-8, but should they?

By Serenity Bishop

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 26: Adam Jones #24 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts after returning a punt for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in the first half of a game at Paul Brown Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The returns was nullified by a penalty but the Bengals won 30-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 26: Adam Jones #24 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts after returning a punt for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in the first half of a game at Paul Brown Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The returns was nullified by a penalty but the Bengals won 30-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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With a win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, the Cincinnati Bengals are currently on a two-game win streak.  And if the Queen City’s team continues their recent play, the Bengals could finish .500 or better.

It’s been a rough season for the Bengals. And while it hasn’t erupted in a Michael Crabtree–Aqib Talib all-out brawl, the A.J. Green fight was pretty close. Cincinnati has, however, made strides over the last two weeks.

The Bengals have beaten the Denver Broncos 20-17 and the Browns 30-16 over the last two weeks. And while it makes the overall record look better, is this what Bengals fans really want? Andy Dalton has thrown five touchdowns to zero interceptions, Joe Mixon has found his stride rushing for 114 yards against the Browns and Green has been getting his share (although he should be getting even more).

With that being said, Cincinnati is still in the hunt. So, the season isn’t over…yet. The Bengals will face the Pittsburgh Steelers, in Week 13, followed by the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens.

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In reality, Cincinnati could win three of these five games and finish with an 8-8 record. Personally, that mark would make me feel better. But, if a .500 record is enough to keep Marvin Lewis and this coaching staff in town, I’m perfectly fine with a 6-10 record.

Honestly, while the Orange & Black could potentially finish 8-8, its more likely Cincy will finish 7-9 or 6-10. These records really aren’t that bad. Everyone knows, barring a really unpredictable run, the Bengals will be watching the playoffs at home this year.

Save Who Dey Nation the embarrassment of another one-and-done.

Cincinnati currently sits right outside of the top 10 in the 2018 NFL Draft and it’s almost a forgone conclusion that major changes are coming to the Queen City (Finally!). Coaching, players and some front office moves are on the horizon. And it would probably help the new era, if they had a top 10 pick to go along with it.

Next: Bengals’ Joe Mixon finally hits stride

I’m not rooting for the Men in Stripes to tank for the rest of the season. If the Bengals were fully out of the playoffs then maybe. But, I’d like to see some competitive football for the rest of the season, just not good enough to keep Lewis & Co. around for another season.

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