Bengals’ quarterback Jake Browning once again shocked the football world Sunday by putting up another impressive performance in a 34-14 blowout against a solid Colts team. I have to admit that I didn’t trust that he would have the Bengals in a position to still be in the hunt, but I was completely wrong. He is poised in the pocket and has shown over the last two weeks that he has the ability to manage the offense in big games. At 7-6, though, it is going to take more than just two stellar performances to get this team into the playoffs.

What Does Cincinnati Need To Do To Make the Playoffs?

Cincinnati has games remaining against the Vikings, Steelers, Chiefs and Browns. All four of these teams are 7-6 or 8-5 and are striving to make a playoff run as well. I believe that Cincinnati will need to win 3 of the last 4 if they are wanting to participate in postseason football.

Running back Chase Brown needs to be utilized just as much as he has been used over the last two weeks. On Sunday, he took a screen to the house and reached 22.05 miles per hour, which is the second-fastest speed recorded in the NFL this season. Taking some of the load off Joe Mixon has benefited this offense greatly.

Cincinnati has to remain healthy. Being down to a second string quarterback means that all of its offensive weapons need to remain healthy. Having receiver Tee Higgins back on the field over the last couple of weeks has greatly improved this offense.

Defensive end Trey Hendrickson has to continue to be dominant on the field. With 2 sacks over the weekend, he increased his total on the year to 13.5 (tied for 3rd in the league). He is the one guy on the line who you can trust pressuring the quarterback on each and every snap.

At 7-6, the Steelers, Colts, Texans, Broncos, Bengals and Bills are all tied and fighting for their lives to get a playoff spot.

Matt’s Take – betJACK Prediction

I’m buying into Cincinnati making the playoffs with Browning leading this team. I think Cincinnati will beat the Vikings, Steelers and Chiefs (you read that correctly) while falling short against a Browns team that it has trouble with every year. I expect Pittsburgh to fall apart over the last four games, as its offense just isn’t enough to take this team into playoffs.

The Cincinnati Reds Have a Good Problem

Who would have thought that Cincinnati fans would be arguing over having too many good players in mid-December, two seasons after losing 100 games? This team is no longer in the rebuilding stage and the front office seems to believe that now is the chance for Cincinnati to become an actual contender. For the last two years, Cincinnati has mentioned its philosophy of drafting middle infielders, as they are the most athletic player typically on the field. This season, I hope to see Cincinnati stick to its plans and see some of these young guys take turns in the outfield to keep their bat in the lineup.

Lineup Madness?

With the addition of Jeimer Candelario, Cincinnati has crowded its roster even more. I like the addition of Jeimer, but this move has to show that Cincinnati is looking to move a few of its young stars for a top of the line pitcher before the year starts. Until a trade happens, though, let’s take a look at some possible lineups:

Vs. Right Handed Pitchers

C: Stephenson

1B: Candelario

2B: McLain

SS: De La Cruz

3B: Marte

LF: Steer

CF: Friedl

RF: Benson

DH: Encarnacion-Strand

Bench: India, Maile, Fraley

Vs. Left Handed Pitchers

C: Stephenson

1B: Encarnacion-Strand

2B: McLain

SS: De La Cruz

3B: Marte

LF: Steer

CF: Friedl

RF: India (He will have to learn some OF)

DH: Candelario

Bench: Maile, Benson, Fraley

This column appears in several newspapers in southwest Ohio.