Entering Week 14, the Cincinnati Bengals, at 4-8, are still alive in the playoff hunt. Thanks to the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers struggling as of late, Joe Burrow and the Bengals still have a chance to make the playoffs.
But their Week 14 matchup, a trip to face the Buffalo Bills, proves to be a big task for the Bengals. While a loss won't instantly eliminate Cincinnati, it would have a profound impact on its chances of making the playoffs.
It's clear this week has huge ramifications on the playoffs, but how much will the Bengals' odds change based on a win or a loss? According to ESPN Research, the Bengals can either double or cut in half their playoff odds based on the outcome of this Bills game.
How Bengals' playoff odds are impacted by Bills Week 14 matchup
"Meanwhile, the Bengals have a 7% chance to make the playoffs, according to ESPN Analytics (goes up to 14% with a win and down to 3% with a loss)." ESPN Research noted.
This week is a massive one for the Bengals, as they could double their playoff odds or cut them in half based on this week's outcome. Of course, a win would still only have their odds at 14%, but it would be a significant step up from where they were before Week 13.
The win over the Ravens on Thanksgiving night was a massive one for the Bengals. Not only did it keep their playoff hopes alive, but it brought the Ravens down a spot, and now forces a much tighter race the rest of the way.
More: AFC North standings: How Steelers, Ravens losses impact division race through Week 13
Cincinnati is two games behind the Steelers and Ravens, and with a matchup against the Ravens in Week 15, the Bengals could, in theory, with wins in the next two weeks, enter the final three weeks with a very realistic shot of making the playoffs.
To close out the year, the Bengals face the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, and Cleveland Browns. The Dolphins, at 5-7, are the best of those three opponents.
A win over the Bills in Week 14 would double their playoff odds and set up a massive Week 15 matchup against the Ravens that, if the Bengals win, could give Cincinnati control over its own destiny this season.
Just as the season is getting colder, the Bengals make a trip to Buffalo in what's forecasted to be a snow game. The first game of December for the Bengals is a massive one, and the weather will only highlight the incredible stakes in this Week 14 matchup.
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