Reason: While the Colts are currently ahead of the Bengals in the standings, the Colts beating Pittsburgh is best for the Bengals right now. Pittsburgh has the same record as Cincinnati (7-6), but they currently have a head-to-head victory over the Bengals. Their conference record is 5-4, compared to the Bengals’ 3-6, so an AFC loss bodes well for the Bengals. If the Colts win and the Bengals finish tied with them at the end of the season, the Bengals’ Week 14 head-to-head win will be crucial.
Reason: After a sluggish start to the season, Denver has improved to 7-6 and is now in the thick of the playoff race. While they play outside of the conference, a win for Detroit would put the Bengals ahead of Denver, assuming the Bengals beat the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday.
Reason: Cleveland has a better overall record (8-5), a better conference record (6-3), and a head-to-head advantage over Cincinnati ahead of their Week 18 meeting. Losing to an NFC team will not affect their conference record, but it may help them tie the Bengals in overall record. Expect to root against Cleveland for the rest of the season (as you have most likely done all season).
Reason: The Texans have the same record as the Bengals (7-6), but they have the tiebreaker from their November 12th win in Cincinnati. They also have the advantage over Cincinnati in the conference, with a 4-4 record. With C.J.
Reason: The Bengals are ahead of the Bills in playoff seeding due to their identical record and head-to-head win, but Buffalo dropping a game can’t hurt. Although Buffalo has a better AFC record than Cincinnati, that won’t change this week. If Dallas adds another loss to Buffalo’s 7-6 record, the Bengals will have a bigger lead over the Bills if they beat Minnesota.
