How Bengals can win AFC North and projected first-round matchup

The Cincinnati Bengals currently clutch the top seed in the AFC North and the AFC’s fourth playoff seed.

So how do they keep it?

While breaking down every team’s playoff-clinching scenarios and postseason projections, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert outlined the path for the Bengals:

“Well, look what we have here. The Bengals snapped their two-game losing streak by grinding out a win in Denver, and then a few minutes later, they ascended to the top of the AFC North following the Ravens’ loss to the Packers. The Bengals have the temporary head-to-head tiebreaker over the Ravens, but as luck would have it, the teams will meet in Week 16. Neither would clinch the division title with a win, but it will obviously be a huge leverage game for both teams. If the Bengals win, their one-game lead in the win/loss column would really be a two-game lead with three left to play because of the permanent head-to-head tiebreaker. So they’ll win the AFC North if they win their remaining games.”

Pretty obvious stuff — but also pretty refreshing to see from a major national media outlet, right?

All things equal, ESPN projects the Bengals would play the Indianapolis Colts in the opening round of the playoffs.

Since the Bengals still have to play a pair of divisional games and another one against Kansas City, ESPN FPI says they still only have a 50 percent chance of making the postseason and a 38 percent chance to win the division.

But that projected matchup with the Colts is pretty interesting. They’re 8-6 behind 1,500-plus rushing yards and 17 touchdowns from Jonathan Taylor and Carson Wentz at quarterback. It’d be a huge test to see if the Bengals defense could stop Taylor while Joe Burrow battles a defense without any major weaknesses.

Either way, the Bengals have to take care of business against some old rivals to make the playoff berth a reality.