While the Cincinnati Bengals have not yet released their 2025 schedule, their opponents for the upcoming fall are confirmed. A few interesting matchups include a home game against the Detroit Lions, as well as away contests against the Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos.

The Bengals are tied with the Dolphins a game back of the Broncos for the final playoff berth. We break down how they can clinch a spot in the 2025 NFL Playoffs in Week 18.

There’s plenty of blame to go around assessing how the Bengals got into this situation after starting the year with Super Bowl expectations. But one thing stands out above all: The Bengals' inability to win games in the month of September is costing them far too much.

The Cincinnati Bengals missed the playoffs despite the five-game streak to end the season at 9-8. As such, another slow start – a critical flaw in the program in the Zac Taylor era – doomed the season back in September.

Cincinnati will watch on Sunday to see if the Jets and Chiefs can knock off the last two obstacles in the way.