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One of the many significant results from Monday's 37-28 win over the Denver Broncos was that Cincinnati earned a postseason berth for the fourth consecutive season -- a feat never accomplished in franchise history.
Cincinnati isn't finished.
While the Bengals victory over the Broncos buried a few demons -- primetime struggles and beating Peyton Manning for the first time -- and clinched a postseason berth, Cincinnati's week 17 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers is the biggest game of the year... which will set the stage for the postseason.
Here's how it shakes out.
IF THE BENGALS BEAT THE STEELERS:
Cincinnati can clinch the No. 2 seed:
1) A win and Broncos loss
If the Bengals claim the No. 2 seed, they will earn a bye and have homefield advantage against everyone, save for the New England Patriots.
Cincinnati clinches the No. 3 seed:
1) A win and Broncos win
Cincinnati would face the No. 6 seed, which is down to the San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs. If the Bengals win the wildcard round, they would head to Denver, the No. 2 seed in this scenario, for a rematch.
Cincinnati can only secure the No. 4 seed if the Bengals-Steelers tie and the Colts win.
If this scenario ends up true, then the Bengals would host the Steelers in a re-match. But seriously... ties in the NFL? As if.
IF THE STEELERS BEAT THE BENGALS:
Cincinnati will be the No. 5 seed and head to Indianapolis for a re-match against the Colts, who beat the Bengals 27-0 earlier this season.