Most teams aren’t able to win the division, let alone make the playoffs, after starting a season 1-3. It’s going to be hard for this team, considering they’re 0-2 in the division and 0-3 in the conference. But, crazier things have happened. 

The Cincinnati Bengals, who everyone was ready to write off after week four, have suddenly brought themselves back into the playoff picture. As they sit at 3-3 headed into their bye week and the offense seems to be getting their legs back, is there a chance they make the playoffs for the third straight season? 

A problem that this team will face is that they have the hardest remaining schedule in the NFL, according to Tankathon. When it comes to being one of the league’s best teams, which the Bengals have been, you can beat anybody. If Joe Burrow is fully healthy out of the bye week, they can compete with every team, on any given Sunday. 

The hardest teams left on their schedule are the Buffalo Bills, who they always seem to beat, the Kansas City Chiefs, who aren’t playing as well as they usually do and Cincinnati matches up well against, the San Francisco 49ers, both games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and one game each against the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns.

The Bengals are in last place but the Ravens, who are in first place, are just 4-2. This division is closer than people think and it helps that Baltimore has the second toughest schedule remaining. With four divisional games remaining, Cincinnati controls their fate. Will the Bengals win the AFC North or will they be a wild card team?