The Cincinnati Bengals losing a playoff spot to a team like the Denver Broncos would seemingly remove some of the unpredictability and entertainment value from the postseason.
It’s an idea that former All-Pro and Super Bowl champion Jeff Saturday threw out this week on ESPN.
“Ain’t nobody trying to watch Bo Nix, a rookie quarterback, play over Joe Burrow,” Saturday said, according to Zack Kelberman. Everybody’s tuning in [for] Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins. … If they get in the playoffs, it’s a much better story.”
In theory, especially with the way Joe Burrow has been playing this year, the Bengals might present a bigger threat to the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills in the playoffs.
But entertainment value aside, the Bengals needed to earn their way to the playoffs and simply haven’t, at least not yet.
If nothing else, the Bengals get to prove Saturday’s point this weekend when they host those Broncos in a national slot on Saturday. Winning there is one of several must-happen things for Burrow and Co. to sneak into the playoffs.
