Bengals vs. Bills: Joe Burrow Looks to Keep Cincinnati’s Playoff Hopes Alive in Week 14 Clash
The Cincinnati Bengals head into Week 14 with momentum on their side, but a tall task ahead. They’ll take on the Buffalo Bills in a 1 p.m. kickoff on Sunday, with the game airing on Fox (WXIX-TV) in the Cincinnati market. On paper, it's a matchup between two teams trending in different directions - but if we’ve learned anything about December football, it’s that records don’t always tell the full story.
Burrow’s Return Ignites Bengals Offense
Joe Burrow is set for his second start since returning from a Grade 3 turf toe injury - and if last week’s performance was any indication, he’s not easing back in. Burrow threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns on 24-of-46 passing in a 32-14 dismantling of the Baltimore Ravens, a win that not only snapped a losing streak but gave the Bengals a much-needed jolt of life.
That version of Burrow - poised, decisive, and willing to test defenses deep - is exactly what Cincinnati needs if it wants to stay in the playoff conversation. His chemistry with the wide receiver corps looked sharp, and the offensive line gave him just enough time to work through his progressions. The rust from his time off wasn’t completely gone, but you could see the gears turning again.
Buffalo Brings the Heat
The Bills, meanwhile, are riding high with an 8-4 record after taking care of business against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They’re favored by 6 points heading into this one, and for good reason.
Buffalo’s defense has been opportunistic, and their offense - when clicking - is one of the most dangerous in the league. They’re built to make teams pay for mistakes, and the Bengals can’t afford many.
Cincinnati’s defense will have its hands full trying to contain Buffalo’s vertical passing attack. This is a game where the Bengals’ front seven needs to generate pressure early and often, because giving Buffalo’s quarterback time in the pocket is a recipe for disaster.
Playoff Picture: Still a Pulse
At 4-8, Cincinnati’s playoff chances are slim - just a 6% shot at winning the division, according to one playoff predictor. But here’s where things get interesting: if the Bengals win out and finish 9-8 for the third straight season, that number jumps to 80%. That’s not just a pipe dream - it’s a real path, albeit a narrow one.
A win in Buffalo would be a massive step forward, bumping their odds to 15% and setting the stage for a dramatic final month. But a loss? That likely slams the door shut on any postseason hopes.
How to Watch
Fans in Cincinnati can catch the game on Fox 19, and those looking to stream can do so via Fubo. It’s a must-watch for anyone invested in the AFC playoff race - or just looking to see if Joe Burrow can pull off another December magic act.
The Road Ahead
Here’s a quick look at how Cincinnati’s season has unfolded so far:
- Week 1: Bengals 17, Browns 16 (1-0)
- Week 2: Bengals 31, Jaguars 17 (2-0)
- Week 3: Bengals 10, Vikings 48 (2-1)
- Week 4: Bengals 3, Broncos 28 (2-2)
- Week 5: Bengals 24, Lions 37 (2-3)
- Week 6: Bengals 18, Packers 27 (2-4)
- Week 7: Bengals 33, Steelers 31 (3-4)
- Week 8: Bengals 38, Jets 39 (3-5)
- Week 9: Bengals 42, Bears 47 (3-6)
- Week 10: Bye
- Week 11: Bengals 12, Steelers 34 (3-7)
- Week 12: Bengals 20, Patriots 26 (3-8)
- Week 13: Bengals 32, Ravens 14 (4-8)
- Week 14: at Bills
- Week 15: vs. Ravens
- Week 16: at Dolphins (Sunday Night Football)
- Week 17: vs.
Cardinals
- Week 18: vs.
Browns
The final two games of the season are still awaiting exact dates and times, with the NFL holding flex options open for playoff implications.
Bottom Line
This isn’t just another December game - it’s a gut-check moment for the Bengals. Joe Burrow is back, the offense is waking up, and the team still has a mathematical shot at the postseason. But to keep that dream alive, they’ll have to go into Buffalo and beat a team that’s playing like it belongs in January.
No room for error. No time to wait. The Bengals’ postseason push starts now.