The Cincinnati Bengals know their odds are slim, but making the playoffs is not mathematically impossible as of Week 15.
They'll need some serious outside help to take the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens down a peg, but it's not out of the realm of possibility.
Despite the long shot, NFL on CBS analyst Adam Schein predicted that the Bengals will win the AFC North with an 8-9 record, despite a gut-wrenching loss to the the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Adam Schein thinks Bengals will win the AFC North at 8-9
"Cincinnati is going to run the table. I think the Cincinnati Bengals, who have Baltimore coming up...the Miami Dolphins...the broken Arizona Cardinals and the Cleveland Browns," Schein told Kyle Long.
"I think the Cincinnati Bengals - and Joe Burrow played really well, Tee Higgins was outstanding - I know all the issues, historically inept on defense. The Bengals, who played well in the snow in Buffalo, will finish the season 8-9 and win the AFC North."
The Steelers would have to lose three of their final four games, and Baltimore has to lose at least two of their remaining games, including a head-to-head matchup with the Bengals, for Cincy to snatch the AFC North crown.
Crazier things have happened in the NFL, and while Schein's prediction is outlandish, it's not out of the realm of possibility.
Of course, it starts next Sunday when the Bengals take on the Ravens for the second time in three weeks.
More Bengals news:
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- Bengals likely to be without defensive end Trey Hendrickson for fifth straight game
- Ja'Marr Chase opens up on facing former Bengals teammate Chidobe Awuzie
- Joe Burrow brushes off re-injury concerns: 'I’m not going to live my life scared'
- Is the Bengals' season over with or without Joe Burrow under center?
- Bengals predicted to replace Trey Hendrickson with young pass rusher in 2026