On Saturday Night, the Bengals entered their regular season finale against the Steelers needing a win to keep their post season hopes alive. While it had been an issue all season, the Bengals defense came up with a massive performance to help keep the Bengals alive.
It wasn't the explosive Bengals offense we've seen the past few weeks but, the defense stepped up when they needed to the most. Joe Burrow finished the game completing 37 of 46 attempts for 277 yards, a touchdown, and an interception as the team was without running back Chase Brown leaning on the passing attack.
.@JoeyB and @Real10jayy__ 😮💨😮💨😮💨
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) January 5, 2025
📺: #CINvsPIT on ESPNpic.twitter.com/EOUIWoIbnX
His lone touchdown pass was to who else but, Ja'Marr Chase who built on his Triple Crown lead. Chase finished the game with 10 catches for 96 yards and a touchdown capping off his regular season with 117 catches for 1,612 yards and 16 touchdowns which is an incredible season especially as it may end in a triple crown.
Ja’Marr Chase is just incredible... pic.twitter.com/keJwKhuHNZ
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) January 5, 2025
Now on Sunday, the Bengals will be looking for some help around the league to clinch a birth into the playoffs. During the afternoon window, the Bengals will need the Chiefs to beat the Broncos and the Jets to beat the Dolphins.
The Chiefs have nothing to play for as they've locked up the number one seed and won't be playing key players like Patrick Mahomes. The fate for the Bengals lies in the hands of Carson Wentz which doesn't instill a ton of hope. The Dolphins will be without Tua Tagovailoa which does help the Bengals however, the Jets haven't been good at all this season.
We'll know late in the afternoon into the early evening if the Bengals are going to the playoffs but, with the way they're playing it would be incredible to see this team at least once more this year.