Despite their losing record, the Cincinnati Bengals entered Week 16 still alive in the AFC playoff race, though they will need a lot of help to actually get there.
The Bengals need to win out for a chance to make the postseason and need several more games to break their way.
Fortunately for Cincinnati, its remaining schedule is relatively easy, starting with a game against the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland will have Dorian Thompson-Robinson as its starting quarterback after Jameis Winston’s recent struggles, opening the door for the Bengals to perhaps get an early lead and cruise the rest of the way.
Defensively, the Bengals are ailing, as they’ll be without pass rusher Sam Hubbard, who is dealing with a knee injury.
With Hubbard out, Cincinnati announced a corresponding move.
“We have elevated DE Isaiah Thomas from the practice squad to the active roster,” the Bengals wrote on X.
We have elevated DE Isaiah Thomas from the practice squad to the active roster for #CLEvsCIN pic.twitter.com/RFsAxOedBV
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 21, 2024
Thomas has been in the league since 2022 and has split time between the Detroit Lions and Browns.
Though he is not expected to contribute much against Cleveland, he can serve as a depth piece if needed.
Overall, this is a matchup the Bengals should have no problem winning given the stakes and the state of the Browns’ roster.
Cincinnati continues to lurk as a potential playoff participant, and it’ll be interesting to see how things shake out.
