Just to add another layer of craziness to that scenario: the Bengals would still make the playoffs if they lost to the Ravens in Week 17 if New England also lost to Buffalo. In that case, the Dolphins would win the AFC East, and New England would be out of the playoffs.
And by the way, that Bengals/Ravens game could easily be flexed. It will depend on how the NFC North and NFC East races come down--there are many scenarios where Bears/Packers and Cowboys/Eagles could also be for a playoff spot. Point being, though, that we could know going into a Sunday night game that the Bengals will either have a bye or will be going home. That would be mind boggling.
But all of this depends on the Bengals beating the Vikings, who have looked pretty good lately. And it looks like Peterson will be back this week.
His opinion is based on fact. Doug already posted the stats for the Bengals last 10 primetime games. I didn't need Rodney Harrison or Doug to tell me though, because I already knew. On the flipside, I'm glad the Bengals have these primetime games to play now, because there was a several-year period in which we didn't have any. When the schedules are finalized and released, the first thing I do is look to see if we have any primetime games, because those are my favorite. Now we have to start winning our share of them.
Just like winning a payoff game, it's a hump the franchise has to get over. It doesn't carry the same importance as a playoff game obviously, but for a lot of fans, including most of them I know, it does have meaning.
Bengals lose to Ravens 50% chance
Ravens beat Pats 50% chance
Dolphins win last 2 games 70% chance
Feel free to adjust my numbers but at those odds, (if anything erring slightly towards the bengals missing the playoffs), there is only an 18 percent chance of all that happening.
I want the Bengals to get in as I hate the Ravens, but all that said, I don't think the Bengals want any piece of the Ravens in a do or die game.
My unscientific percentages would be:
Bengals win division: 50%
Bengals get wild card: 35%
Bengals stay home: 15%
They could even win the division this weekend with a win over the Vikings and a Ravens loss to the Pats. Of course, that would probably kill the 2-seed. I still haven't decided who I want to win that Ravens-Pats game. I'm feeling kind of greedy and want the 2-seed, so I think I'll pull for the Ravens.
Go Bengals
Go Baltimore
Go Buffalo (insurance)
Last edited by BuckeyeRedleg; 12-17-2013 at 02:41 PM.
Too possible for comfort.
Miami has a pretty soft remaining two games, meaning they will likely finish at 10-6. If Baltimore beats Cincinnati in week 17, they would get the 2 seed. The Bengals and Dolphins would be tied at 10-6 but Miami holds the tie break with the head to head win.
"Strickland Propane... Taste the meat, not the heat." - Hank Hill
If the Bengals lose to the Vikings at home this week, they don't deserve to go to the playoffs. Losing in Pittsburgh was predictable and was likely to happen. I don't think less of them because of that game. Following that up with a loss at home to a bad Vikings team would be a choke job.
Grape works as a soda. Sort of as a gum. I wonder why it doesn't work as a pie. Grape pie? There's no grape pie. - Larry David
"Rounding 3rd and heading for home, good night everybody"
It hasn't worked out the last few times when week 17 meant nothing. Week 1 of the playoffs starts in Week 17 at home and hopefully goes from there.
Regardless of the outcome next week, Bengals will be playing for at worst the #4 seed at home.
Miami won't have it easy in Buffalo this weekend.
Not one of the AFC contenders wants the Ravens to get into the playoffs.
According to this site (http://www.playoffstatus.com/nfl/afcstandings.html), the Bengals have about a 74% chance of winning the division, a 15% chance of being the wildcard and an 11% chance of missing the playoffs altogether.
Wrong actually - it's quite reasonable at this point that the Bengals may not make the playoffs. If I had to quantify it from the hip, I'd say maybe 20% or so (Dolphins [vs. Bills/Jets] and Ravens [vs. Pats/Bengals] win out).
I like the all-or-nothing scenario of the 2 seed or missing the playoffs. I'd rather see the Bengals collapse and some drastic changes (elevate Zimmer to HC?) then see the Bengals back into the playoffs and lose first round on the road (once again).
I can't envision a scenario where the Bengals win in Baltimore after playing them at home. A good coach like Harbaugh makes adjustments and has his team ready to play in the big game. Can't say the same for Marvin.
Therefore, I'll be rooting for the Ravens to beat New England this Sunday, setting up the all-or-nothing scenario in Week 17.
Go BLUE!!!
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