It won't be easy for the Bengals to clinch a playoff spot this weekend, but it is possible. The Bengals are essentially a lock for the playoffs, but it'll take quite a bit of help for them to secure a playoff spot this weekend. Next weekend however, if they can beat the Steelers, no matter the outcome of this week's game against the Browns, they will win the AFC North.
Here are the Week 13 clinching scenarios for the Bengals as well as the Patriots and Panthers who are the only other two teams that can clinch the playoffs this weekend.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (at Cleveland, Sunday)
Cincinnati clinches a playoff spot with:
- CIN win + HOU loss or tie + IND loss or tie + NYJ loss as long as IND and HOU both don't tie OR
- CIN win + HOU loss or tie + IND loss or tie + DEN win or tie + KC loss as long as IND and HOU both don't tie
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (vs. Philadelphia, Sunday)
New England clinches AFC East division with:
- NE win + NYJ loss or tie OR
- NE tie + NYJ loss
New England clinches a playoff spot with:
- NE win + PIT loss or tie OR
- NE win + KC loss or tie OR
- NE tie + KC loss OR
- NE tie + PIT loss + HOU loss or tie
CAROLINA PANTHERS (at New Orleans, Sunday)
Carolina clinches NFC South division with:
- CAR win or tie OR
- ATL loss or tie
Carolina clinches a playoff spot with:
- SEA loss or tie OR
- ARI loss or tie + GB loss or tie as long as both teams don't tie