3 most likely matchups for Bengals in first round of playoffs
By Alex Austin
Most likely first-round matchup for Cincinnati Bengals
Indianapolis Colts
For this matchup to happen the Bengals would need to beat the Browns, and the Colts will need a win over the Jaguars. Based on how all teams are playing at the moment, these results seem pretty likely.
In this scenario, the Bengals would host the Colts in Cincinnati with Cincy serving as the 3-seed and Indy as the 6-seed.
While Joe Burrow has made his case for MVP with his most recent performance, the Colts have a player that has made his case throughout the season for that award in Jonathan Taylor. He has been electric this year, leading the NFL in rushing yards, with over 500 more yards than the Bengals Joe Mixon who comes in second on that list.
Taylor has been a beast for Indianapolis all year and is a huge reason why the Colts are currently in the playoff conversation. Overall, the schedule will likely be strengthened by four games against the two worst teams in the AFC.
The Colts are a good team, but Cincinnati matches up well against them. Joe Burrow would have a chance to get up quickly against a slow-paced, rush-first, type offense and that might put them in a spot where they struggle coming back.
This is one of the most likely outcomes, and it should seem favorable for Cincinnati.