The future has become a little clearer for the Cincinnati Bengals as they move forward with the end of the regular season.
They know they will not finish their Week 17 game with the Buffalo Bills that was cancelled after Damar Hamlin's medical emergency postponed the game. What they don't know exactly, though, is how the playoff picture will look based on the inequities that result from the cancellations.
There are countless scenarios that the NFL will run through to decide what happens from here, but one thing is certain: The Bengals, who are technically back-to-back AFC North champions, have to beat the Ravens on Sunday if they want to have any shot at hosting a playoff game. Everything else from there is relative.
However, the shift of focus on the Ravens for the Bengals locker room has been aided by the progress made in Hamlin's recovery on Thursday. Multiple players personally impacted by Hamlin's collapse, including Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, seemed to be in good spirit after the reassuring news on Hamlin.
The specific focus will be on a Ravens team that has Roquan Smith but doesn't have Lamar Jackson. What will that look like for the Bengals? How do they outlast the Ravens to solidify their new division title?
The Strictly Stripes crew explains all the different playoff scenarios, what they mean and how they impact the Bengals. Plus, they're joined by special guest Elise Jesse who covers the team for AllBengals Sports Illustrated. Finally, they wrap up by discussing Willie Anderson's chances of making the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
This podcast features Mohammad Ahmad, Andrew Gillis, Michael Niziolek and special guest Elise Jesse.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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