It’s happening! The Cincinnati Bengals are headed back to the NFL postseason for the first time since 2015 after winning the division on Sunday. Cincinnati has been able to turn the whole franchise around this year by building well through the draft and hitting on some key free agents.
Once the confetti settles and we come to grips with the fact that Joe Burrow is going to be throwing dimes to Ja’Marr Chase for at least one additional game this year, the elephant in the room has to be addressed.
What is a reasonable expectation for Cincinnati this year?
The Bengals have not won a playoff game in a long time — 30+ years long. Just making the playoffs does not mean a win is going to come. Remember, this is when the Bengals will play the best teams in the league week after week. However, Cincinnati has shown that they can beat the best teams in the league and can play with anyone throughout the season.
So, just what should you expect when Cincinnati returns to the postseason? Ahead, I will give you the pessimistic, realistic, and optimistic scenarios for the Bengals this year.