Postseason Hopefuls: Bengals, Dolphins, and Colts Fight for Playoff Berth After Chargers’ Triumph

The AFC playoff race tightened considerably after the Los Angeles Chargers’ upset win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. The victory moved the Chargers into sole possession of the seventh and final playoff spot in the conference, while the Ravens dropped to eighth. The Bengals, Dolphins, and Colts are all one game behind the Chargers and now control their own destiny in the playoff race. With just two weeks remaining in the regular season, these three teams will be fighting tooth and nail for a chance to reach the postseason.

The Bengals’ Path to the Playoffs

The Bengals have won four of their last five games and are in a good position to make the playoffs. They have a favorable schedule down the stretch, with games against the Browns, Bills, and Ravens. If the Bengals can win two of those three games, they will likely clinch a playoff berth. Andy Dalton has been playing well lately, and the Bengals’ defense has been one of the best in the league all season. If they can continue to play at a high level, the Bengals should be in good shape to make the playoffs.

The Dolphins’ Path to the Playoffs

The Dolphins have also won four of their last five games and are in control of their own destiny. They have a tough game against the Patriots this week, but they should be favored to win their final two games against the Bills and Jets. If the Dolphins can win those two games, they will clinch a playoff berth. Ryan Tannehill has been playing well lately, and the Dolphins’ defense has been improving. If they can continue to play at a high level, the Dolphins should be in good shape to make the playoffs.

The Colts’ Path to the Playoffs

The Colts are in a bit of a tougher spot than the Bengals and Dolphins. They have lost two of their last three games and are now one game behind the Chargers. They have a tough game against the Texans this week, and they will need to win their final two games against the Giants and Jaguars to have a chance at making the playoffs. Andrew Luck has been playing well lately, but the Colts’ defense has been struggling. If they can get their defense to play better, the Colts should be in good shape to make the playoffs.

Conclusion

The AFC playoff race is wide open, and the Bengals, Dolphins, and Colts all have a chance to make the playoffs. The Bengals have the easiest schedule down the stretch, but the Dolphins and Colts have been playing better lately. All three teams will need to win their remaining games and hope for some help from other teams in order to make the playoffs. It should be a fun and exciting finish to the regular season.