Cincinnati Bengals Playoff Chances: Tracking the Bengals Playoff Picture

Calli Varner Profile Picture

The Bengals opened 2026 at 2-0, with a defense that drew raves in camp and backed it up by forcing turnovers in a Week 1 win over Tampa Bay and holding Houston to six points in Week 2. Pittsburgh handed them their first loss in Week 3, 30-27, despite a Burrow-to-Higgins circus catch and a fourth-down TD to Mike Gesicki that briefly put Cincinnati ahead; two late Chris Boswell field goals and a fumble recovery sealed it for the Steelers. In Week 4, Jacksonville's defense stopped Chase Brown a yard short of a first down with 50 seconds left, and Trevor Lawrence threw for 227 yards and a touchdown as the Jaguars held off the Bengals 22-17 at Paycor Stadium, dropping Cincinnati to 2-2 and out of first place in a jumbled AFC North. 

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

21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY (excludes NY). Apply promotion in bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager (min odds -200) daily for 10 consecutive days starting day of account creation. FanCash rewards will equal the qualifying wager amount (max $100 FanCash/day). FanCash issued under this promotion expires at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, incl. FanCash terms, apply—see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER, 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369).

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: 68.2% (-215)
🏆 Chance to Win AFC North: 29.4% (+240)
🥇 Chance to Make Super Bowl: 9.35% (+970)
👑 Chance to Win Super Bowl 61: 5% (+1900)
📅 Information Last Verified: October 15, 2026

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

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See http://BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

What Are the Latest Bengals Playoff Odds?

The Bengals' odds to make the playoffs are -215, indicating that oddsmakers give them a 68.2% 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: -215
🥇Odds To Win AFC North: +240
🏆 Odds To Make Super Bowl: +970
👑 Odds To Win Super Bowl: +1900
📅 Information Last Verified: October 15, 2026
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new Sportsbook customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: dkng.co/offer. Get 1 promo code to redeem a 3-month NBA League Pass subscription, complimentary of DraftKings. Subscription auto-renews monthly at then-current price (currently $16.99/mo); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, and eligibility requirements apply. Redeem League Pass by 12/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Addt’l terms: support.watch.nba.com/hc/en-us/articles/9165532876183-League-Pass-Terms-of-Use_. Ends 11/29/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Are the Bengals in the Playoffs?

No. The Bengals are not in the playoffs. The season is 1/4 done. 

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 currently 3-2, trailing the Ravens in the division. 

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

Where are the Bengals in the AFC Wild Card Race?

The Bengals are currently right in the mix in the AFC Wild Card race. 

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)
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See http://BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

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.

Cited by leading media organizations, such as: