(11-12-2016, 01:40 PM)wolfkaosaun Wrote: We're at the halfway point and can already have an idea of the playoff picture.

With that said, looking at the standings today and the rest of the schedule, do you believe that this team's only chance to make the playoffs is by winning the division? Or do you think that they can somehow squeeze into the wildcard?

Personally, I do believe it's a division crown or bust. The Bengals still have to play the Bills, and if the Bills win that, then two AFC opponents have the head to head tie breaker over the Bengals (Broncos included). Throw in the Chiefs and Raiders, who both have at least 6 wins thus far in a contested division. And the Chargers, who are in last place, are 4-5.

Then, of course, throw in the loss to the Steelers. The Bengals HAVE to win their divison, or this could be the first time since 2010 that the Bengals do not make it to the playoffs.

What are your thoughts?

(11-12-2016, 02:07 PM)The Real Deal Wrote: Yes. Wildcard is not happening. But either way, unless something changes, this team isn't nearly good enough to make any noise if they even make it in the first place.

(11-12-2016, 02:07 PM)The Real Deal Wrote: Yes. Wildcard is not happening. But either way, unless something changes, this team isn't nearly good enough to make any noise if they even make it in the first place.

(11-12-2016, 03:30 PM)Bengalholic Wrote: Winning the division would certainly be the easiest path as it stands right now, with the West having the inside track for the wildcards right now. 

The Bengals most immediate concern is what's in front of them. They've played 5 team who had a winning record at the time they played. They are 0-4-1 in those games. If they are going to right the ship and go on any kind of roll, it has to start with beating the Giants on Monday night. 

Luckily, the division isn't that strong this year and at this point, it's there for the taking. Hopefully, they can string together some wins and play much better football down the stretch.

(11-12-2016, 03:46 PM)wolfkaosaun Wrote: Besides the Browns, EVERY team the Bengals play the rest of the season has at least 4 wins.

And to be fair, the Bengals are 0-3-1 against teams with winning records. The Steelers are 4-4 now. If you want to include them, then you can also include the Dolphins who somehow have put together some very impressive games. So the Bengals would be 1-4-1. Not much better, but yeah.

Which is actually pretty crazy, because outside of Cleveland and the Jets, everyone the Bengals have played and will play have 4 wins. Only the Jets, Browns, and Bills have losing records. So that's 4 games. The other 12 games? Everyone is .500 or better.

(11-12-2016, 08:36 PM)Shake n Blake Wrote: Yeah, I thought the Raiders would fall back to earth a bit with that leaky defense, but they convinced me (for now) with that impressive win over Denver. We need to win the division, that's all there is to it.

Side question: would we all feel better about an 8-7-1 season that ended with a playoff win? Or last season's result? Personally, I'd feel better about the playoff win, especially given our history.

(11-12-2016, 08:36 PM)Shake n Blake Wrote: Yeah, I thought the Raiders would fall back to earth a bit with that leaky defense, but they convinced me (for now) with that impressive win over Denver. We need to win the division, that's all there is to it.

Side question: would we all feel better about an 8-7-1 season that ended with a playoff win? Or last season's result? Personally, I'd feel better about the playoff win, especially given our history.

(11-12-2016, 08:36 PM)Shake n Blake Wrote: Yeah, I thought the Raiders would fall back to earth a bit with that leaky defense, but they convinced me (for now) with that impressive win over Denver. We need to win the division, that's all there is to it.

Side question: would we all feel better about an 8-7-1 season that ended with a playoff win? Or last season's result? Personally, I'd feel better about the playoff win, especially given our history.

(11-12-2016, 08:46 PM)Derrick Wrote: We are a sad bunch when a single win in the POs makes us feel better. Expectations are soooooo0 low.

(11-12-2016, 11:43 PM)JumboTron Wrote: I most certainly would.  Ending a 25 year drought while at the same time advancing in the playoffs more than makes up for whatever "ugly" regular season record we may have chalked up.  I'd take that any day over strutting into the postseason with a 12-4 record and a home playoff game only to once again lay a pile in front of the nation. 

Unfortunately though like I said earlier, even if this 2016 squad makes the playoffs I do not see them advancing.

(11-12-2016, 01:40 PM)wolfkaosaun Wrote: We're at the halfway point and can already have an idea of the playoff picture.

With that said, looking at the standings today and the rest of the schedule, do you believe that this team's only chance to make the playoffs is by winning the division? Or do you think that they can somehow squeeze into the wildcard?

Personally, I do believe it's a division crown or bust. The Bengals still have to play the Bills, and if the Bills win that, then two AFC opponents have the head to head tie breaker over the Bengals (Broncos included). Throw in the Chiefs and Raiders, who both have at least 6 wins thus far in a contested division. And the Chargers, who are in last place, are 4-5.

Then, of course, throw in the loss to the Steelers. The Bengals HAVE to win their divison, or this could be the first time since 2010 that the Bengals do not make it to the playoffs.

What are your thoughts?