Last NFL season, the Cincinnati Bengals were AFC Champions and going to the Super Bowl.
However, this season sees them in second place in the AFC North and not dominating the division.
But can the Bengals still return to the Super Bowl, despite them not being on top in the AFC North?
Super Bowl Hopes Ride On Bengals Finishing Strong
While the Bengals are in the playoff picture, they are dangerously close to missing out on the playoffs.
With a 6-4 record, they need a strong finish to make the playoffs.
However, they face the toughest remaining schedule in the NFL, and have since week 10.
Remaining strength of schedule entering Week 10: #Ravens have it easiest, #Bengals have toughest, per @PFF.
Easiest: Ravens, Falcons, 49ers, Chiefs, Panthers
Hardest: Bengals, Patriots, Jaguars, Broncos, Chargershttps://t.co/V5FY9JVC79
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 10, 2022
Six of their seven remaining games are against teams with a winning record.
Those teams are also playoff contenders this season.
If the Bengals want to even think about a Super Bowl return, they need to defeat some tough teams.
With their remaining schedule, they can’t afford to have many losses.
However, getting wins against many of the remaining teams will prove difficult.
They have two divisional games, one against the Cleveland Browns and the other against the Baltimore Ravens.
With losses against both teams already this season, it could be tough to win these rematches.
Add in games against the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs, and the playoff chances for the Bengals dwindle.
If they lose all four games, or even three of them, the best the Bengals can do is 10-7.
With the AFC having elite teams this season, the Bengals’ Super Bowl hopes might end during the regular season.
