Bengals would have tough playoff matchup based on current standings

The Cincinnati Bengals have a playoff berth and currently hold the AFC’s third seed, which right now puts them in a stunning potential playoff matchup.

After Monday’s results, the Bengals would play the sixth-seeded Los Angeles Chargers in the opening round of the playoffs — reigniting that Joe Burrow vs. Justin Herbert debate.

Those Chargers are 9-6 and Herbert has had another strong season, completing 68 percent of his passes with 21 touchdowns while dealing with injuries around him.

Burrow’s Bengals have won seven in a row and he’s one of the MVP favorites after overcoming a slow start in the wake of a burst appendix during training camp. He and Herbert have been endlessly compared, so it’s only fitting if they eventually dance in the postseason. ,

Of course, the standings will change over the next two weeks, but this is where things stand now:

1. Bills 12-3
2. Chiefs 12-3
3. Bengals 11-4
4. Jaguars 7-8
5. Ravens 10-5
6. Chargers 9-6

And the AFC North:

1. Bengals 11-4
2. Ravens 10-5
3. Steelers 7-8
4. Browns 6-9

The Bengals have yet to secure the division and might need to win out. They play Buffalo next Monday, then close the season against the Ravens. With help, they could still climb into one of the two top spots in the conference.

For now though, it’s a third seed and date with the Chargers, what might funnily be a tougher matchup than if they had a lower seed.