Shadeur Sanders Shakes Up Bengals’ Playoff Hopes in Dramatic AFC North Finish

The Cincinnati Bengals’ path to the playoffs now runs directly through rookie quarterback Shadeur Sanders. Sanders has been named the Cleveland Browns’ starter for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season. This sets up a high-stakes Week 18 finale where Sanders could personally end Cincinnati’s postseason dreams.According to playoff simulations from the New York Times, the Bengals’ chances are already slim. The team must win its final four games to have any realistic shot. Any single loss will eliminate them from contention immediately.

A Complex and Unlikely Playoff Equation

The numbers are stark. Cincinnati currently holds just a 3% chance to make the playoffs. Winning their last four games would increase those odds to 27%. That required streak includes beating the Ravens twice and defeating the Dolphins and Cardinals.Victories alone are not enough. The Bengals also need significant help from other teams. They require the Baltimore Ravens to lose one of their final three games. They also need the Pittsburgh Steelers to finish their season with a 1-3 record.This creates a nail-biting scenario for fans. The ideal path sees Cincinnati winning their next three contests. That would set up a Week 18 showdown in Cleveland. The game could become a “win and you’re in” playoff clincher against the rookie Sanders.

The Rookie X-Factor in a High-Pressure Debut

Shadeur Sanders is no ordinary backup. He threw for 364 yards and three touchdowns in a close loss to the Titans last week. That performance convinced the Browns’ coaching staff to commit to him for the rest of the year.His promotion adds a fascinating layer to the AFC North race. Sanders now becomes a central figure in the division’s final chapter. He could play the role of spoiler against a longtime rival fighting for its playoff life.For the Bengals, the focus remains on controlling what they can. Quarterback Joe Burrow must lead the team on a perfect run. The margin for error is now completely gone. Their difficult season finale just gained a major new storyline with Sanders under center.

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The Bengals’ playoff destiny is now tied to an unlikely perfect streak and the performance of a divisional rival’s rookie quarterback. The Shadeur Sanders storyline adds a dramatic twist to Cincinnati’s desperate final push.

Info at your fingertips

What are the Bengals’ current playoff odds?

Their odds are very low, at just 3%. These odds would jump to 27% only if they win all of their final four games of the season. A single loss eliminates them completely.

Who do the Bengals need to beat to have a chance?

They must defeat the Ravens twice, the Miami Dolphins, and the Arizona Cardinals. They also need to beat the Cleveland Browns and Shadeur Sanders in the season finale.

What other teams do the Bengals need help from?

They need the Baltimore Ravens to lose one more game. They also require the Pittsburgh Steelers to finish the year poorly, with only one win in their last four contests.

How did Shadeur Sanders earn the Browns’ starting job?

He started in Week 14 and performed very well. Sanders passed for 364 yards and three touchdowns in a narrow loss, showing enough promise for Cleveland to commit to him.

When do the Bengals play the Browns with Shadeur Sanders?

The two teams meet in Week 18, the final game of the regular season. That game could decide Cincinnati’s playoff fate.