Cincinnati Bengals Playoff Chances: Tracking the Bengals Playoff Picture

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The Bengals opened 2026 exactly the way they hoped to, starting 2-0 behind a defense that drew rave reviews all through training camp and backed it up early, forcing turnovers in a Week 1 win over Tampa Bay before holding the Texans to just six points on the road in Week 2. But the Steelers handed Cincinnati its first loss of the season, a 30-27 defeat at Acrisure Stadium in Week 3. Joe Burrow connected with Tee Higgins on a circus-catch touchdown to tie the game at halftime, then found Mike Gesicki for a fourth-down score that put the Bengals ahead 27-24 in the fourth. Pittsburgh answered with two Chris Boswell field goals to retake the lead, and a Burrow fumble recovered by the Steelers in the final minute sealed it. Cincinnati also hurt itself with special teams miscues, including a roughing-the-punter penalty and a muffed punt that set up Pittsburgh points. The Bengals now sit at 2-1, tied atop a crowded AFC North.

You can follow the Bengals’ odds at best Ohio sportsbooks for the 2026 season. 

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Current Cincinnati Bengals Playoff Chances in 2026-27

The latest Bengals playoff chances are strong this season, along with Cincinnati’s odds to win the Super Bowl. Here are the current odds as the season takes shape. 

⭐️ Chance to Make Playoffs: 76.2% (-320)
🏆 Chance to Win AFC North: 37.8% (+164)
🥇 Chance to Make Super Bowl: 12% (+730)
👑 Chance to Win Super Bowl 61: 5.56% (+1700)
📅 Information Last Verified: September 28, 2026

With the season underway, you can wager on the Bengals to win Super Bowl 61 at sportsbooks like FanDuel Sportsbook Ohio.

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What Are the Latest Bengals Playoff Odds?

The Bengals' odds to make the playoffs are -320, indicating that oddsmakers give them a 76.2% chance of making the postseason. For an in-depth breakdown of Super Bowl odds for next season, check out our story on the Bengals' Super Bowl odds.

We provide all the latest Bengals playoff odds in the section below. If you want to bet on Cincinnati in 2026, check out the best Ohio sportsbook promos. They will help you get the most from each wager.

⭐️ Odds To Make Playoffs: -320
🥇Odds To Win AFC North: +164
🏆 Odds To Make Super Bowl: +730
👑 Odds To Win Super Bowl: +1700
📅 Information Last Verified: September 28, 2026
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Are the Bengals in the Playoffs?

No. The Bengals are not in the playoffs. The season just started. 

Can the Bengals Make the Playoffs?

Yes, they can. The 2026 season just started, so nothing's decided yet. Whether they get there will depend on things like health (Joe Burrow, defense), how the AFC North shakes out, and whether the revamped roster clicks. Given their talent at receiver and quarterback, they're generally seen as a playoff contender on paper.

Bengals 2026 Schedule

The Bengals opened and closed the 2025 season against their division rivals, the Cleveland Browns, setting up a full-circle storyline. Cincinnati had four primetime games scheduled for the year, with the most significant being their Thanksgiving night matchup on the road against divisional rival Baltimore Ravens.

Where are the Bengals in the AFC North Divisional Race?

The Bengals are 2-1, currently tied with the Ravens, Steelers, and Browns. 

  1. Cincinnati Bengals 2-1
  2. Baltimore Ravens 2-1
  3. Pittsburgh Steelers 2-1
  4. Cleveland Browns 2-1

Where are the Bengals in the AFC Wild Card Race?

The Bengals are currently leading the AFC North despite the loss. They might not need to be a wild card if they can win the division. 

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Where to Bet on the Cincinnati Bengals Making the Playoffs

Bettors have plenty of options available to them if they're looking to wager on the Bengals next season. Generally, big-name operators like DraftKings Sportsbook Ohio tend to have the most betting markets available.

But, even the lesser-known Ohio betting apps should have most of the standard futures available to bet.

Ja'Marr Chase catches the ball

Looking at the Bengals Playoff History & Results

Historically, the Bengals haven't had the greatest reputation. They're one of 12 active franchises that have never won the Super Bowl.

But that reputation has changed in recent years. This is due in large part to the arrival of Joe Burrow. Cincinnati has been a powerhouse with a healthy Burrow. They made the Super Bowl in 2021-22 and the AFC Championship Game in 2022-23. Below, you'll find the Bengals' playoff history over the past ten years.

2025: 6-11 (Missed Playoffs)
2024: 9-8 (Missed Playoffs)
2023: 9-8 (Missed Playoffs)
2022:12-4 (Lost in AFC Championship)
2021:10-7 (Lost in Super Bowl)
2020:4-11-1 (Missed Playoffs)
2019:2-14 (Missed Playoffs)
2018:6-10 (Missed Playoffs)
2017:7-9 (Missed Playoffs)
2016:6-9-1 (Missed Playoffs)
2015: 12-4 (Lost in Wild Card)
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Bengals Playoff Chances FAQ

Author

Calli Varner

Calli is lifelong resident of Arizona and has been an avid sports fan since she can remember. After earning her Bachelor’s degrees from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, she combined her passion for journalism and sports. Calli has covered the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAAF, college sports, and sports betting for several media outlets.

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