We can throw out all the wild historical data about the Cincinnati Bengals‘ longshot chances at the playoffs, sure.
But it loses some impact if the AFC North gets weird again.
And it’s weird after four games, all right:
- Steelers: 3-1
- Ravens 2-2
- Browns 1-3
- Bengals 1-3
The Bengals have dropped two games in the AFC, yes. But they’ve yet to suit up for one of the six divisional games—that starts next week when the Ravens visit Paycor Stadium.
Over Baltimore’s first three games, before the win over Buffalo on Sunday. Lamar Jackson and Co. looked worse than anticipated. Cleveland is stuck in quarterback purgatory and speaking of that, it’s fair to wonder if Pittsburgh can keep its current pace with Justin Field under center, or if the hot start is partially the product of an easier schedule.
No matter what, Joe Burrow’s offense will need to remain hot while the defense finds a way to improve — likely without star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson.
But right now, it doesn’t matter as much that since 1990, just four of 162 teams have made the playoffs after an 0-3 start. The Bengals can be the fifth if they can get right while the rest of the division stays weird.
