Joe Burrow’s 42-TD Season and Bengals’ Playoff Hopes – How Cincinnati Stayed Alive Against the Steelers and What Comes Next
The Cincinnati Bengals are not ready to call it a season just yet. With a thrilling 19-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bengals have kept their playoff hopes alive.
At the heart of this resurgence is none other than Joe Burrow, who continues to prove why he’s one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL.
Burrow’s Record-Breaking Season
Joe Burrow has been on fire, throwing 42 touchdowns and amassing over 4,600 passing yards this season.
His precision, calm under pressure, and leadership have been instrumental in guiding the Bengals through the highs and lows of the 2024-25 campaign. In the last four games alone, Burrow has thrown three touchdowns per game, showcasing his elite form when it matters most.
Against the Steelers, Burrow’s ability to dissect defenses and make clutch throws was on full display. Despite a strong Pittsburgh defensive front, Burrow led the Bengals to critical scoring drives, keeping their postseason dreams intact.
Victory Over the Steelers – A Must-Win Showdown
The Week 18 clash with the Steelers was a do-or-die moment for Cincinnati. The Bengals’ offense found a rhythm early, but it was the defense that ultimately sealed the win, holding Pittsburgh to just 17 points.
A late field goal in the fourth quarter was the difference-maker, as the Bengals edged out their AFC North rivals.
However, the victory didn’t come without setbacks. Running back Chase Brown, a key offensive weapon, was sidelined with an ankle injury. In his place, Khalil Herbert stepped up, delivering key runs that helped keep drives alive.
The Road to the Playoffs – What Needs to Happen Now
Despite the win, the Bengals’ fate isn’t entirely in their own hands. For Cincinnati to claim the final AFC playoff spot, two crucial results need to break their way:
The Denver Broncos must lose to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Miami Dolphins must lose or tie against the New York Jets.
It’s a tense waiting game for Bengals fans, but if these scenarios align, Cincinnati could find themselves in the postseason, ready to make a
run.
Discipline and Drama – Josh Newton Fined
Not all the headlines were positive for the Bengals. Cornerback Josh Newton was fined $4,885 for unsportsmanlike conduct during the team’s Week 17 win over the Broncos.
Newton is expected to appeal the fine, but the incident highlights the intensity with which the Bengals are playing as they fight for every inch.
Looking Ahead
The Bengals have done their part by winning when it mattered most, but now they wait. Fans will keep a close eye on the upcoming Broncos and Dolphins games, hoping for the right outcomes to propel Cincinnati into the postseason.
Until then, the Bengals and Joe Burrow have sent a clear message – they are a team that refuses to back down.
Whether or not they make the playoffs, Burrow’s 42-touchdown season has cemented him as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks, and the Bengals as a rising force in the AFC.
