Latest NFL Playoff Picture Shows Bengals Falling to 12th in AFC Standings

The latest NFL playoff picture took another hit for the Cincinnati Bengals on December 7, 2025. Cincinnati dropped to 12th in the AFC standings after a fourth-quarter collapse against the Buffalo Bills. The loss moved the Bengals to 4-9 and pushed their postseason odds close to zero.

The Bengals now sit three games behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North with only four games left. NFL Network’s Next Gen Stats lists their playoff probability at 1 percent. The updated standings show Cincinnati behind several teams still alive in the wild card race.

Where the Latest NFL Playoff Picture Stands Now

The AFC hierarchy tightened in Week 14, creating a decisive gap between contenders and long-shots. The Denver Broncos and New England Patriots sit at the top with identical 11-2 records. Jacksonville leads the AFC South at 9-4, while the Steelers hold the AFC North lead at 7-6.

The current AFC wild card positions belong to the Buffalo Bills at 9-4, the Los Angeles Chargers at 8-4, and the Indianapolis Colts at 8-5. Four teams remain firmly in the hunt: the Texans at 7-5, the Chiefs at 6-6, and the Ravens and Dolphins both at 6-7. These teams hold meaningful tiebreak advantages and better records than Cincinnati.

Cincinnati’s 4-9 mark leaves them ahead of only four AFC teams that have already been eliminated. The Bills’ comeback win over the Bengals pushed Cincinnati further from contention. AP and Reuters reporting confirm the standings and updated playoff model projections.

The path forward is narrow. Cincinnati would need to win out and receive extensive help from multiple AFC teams. With Joe Burrow and the offense unable to close out late games this season, the numbers offer a harsh outlook.

What the Bengals’ Decline Means Moving Forward

The Bengals now enter a stretch focused on evaluation rather than contention. Their remaining four games will shape the offseason, roster decisions, and draft positioning. The defense has played inconsistently, and the offense has struggled to sustain drives late in games.

The race above them continues to intensify. Teams like the Texans, Chiefs, and Ravens have clearer routes to the wild card, while the top seeds battle for home-field advantage. As those races tighten, Cincinnati’s opportunities shrink even more.

The latest NFL playoff picture reflects both the competitiveness of the AFC and the Bengals’ regression. Cincinnati now faces a near-impossible climb, with Week 14’s loss placing them on the brink of mathematical elimination.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How far are the Bengals from the AFC wild card?

The Bengals sit several games back with a 4-9 record. Multiple teams ahead of them hold tiebreak advantages. Their odds are listed at 1 percent.

Q2: Which teams lead the AFC standings?

Denver and New England are tied at 11-2. Jacksonville and Pittsburgh lead their divisions behind them. All four control their playoff paths.

Q3: Can the Bengals still make the playoffs?

They are mathematically alive but need a perfect finish and massive help. Current projections make this highly unlikely. Week 14 hurt the outlook significantly.

Q4: Which teams currently hold AFC wild card spots?

The Bills, Chargers, and Colts occupy the three wild card positions. All three have winning records and favorable paths ahead.

Q5: How did the Bills affect the Bengals’ chances?

Buffalo rallied past Cincinnati in the fourth quarter. That win strengthened their seeding position. It also dropped the Bengals further out of contention.