Cincinnati Bengals News: Playoff Path, Jake Browning, Offensive Creativity, and More on the PFN Bengals Podcast

Few expected the Cincinnati Bengals to remain in the playoff conversation after Joe Burrow went down with a season-ending injury. But backup quarterback Jake Browning — and contributions from elsewhere on the roster — have kept the Bengals a Wild Card contender. Can they keep it going in Week 15?

On the most recent edition of The PFN Bengals Podcast, we recap Bengals-Colts before previewing Cincinnati’s upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings.

PFN Bengals Podcast: Back in the AFC Wild Card Race

While the 7-6 Bengals are still in last place in the AFC North, they’re back in the mix after defeating the Colts, 34-14, on Sunday.

Browning was again efficient in his second NFL start, finishing first in EPA per play and second in QBR in Week 14. And Cincinnati’s offensive coaching staff continued to exhibit more creativity as they trudged forward with a backup QB under center.

MORE: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart

Bengals running backs Joe Mixon and Chase Brown drove the team’s offensive attack against Indy. Can Cincinnati’s thunder-and-lightning backfield continue to ascend over the rest of the season?

And what about the Bengals’ defensive resurgence? Trey Hendrickson looked like Sunday’s goat (the bad kind) early on but eventually rebounded to post another solid performance. Has Cincinnati’s defense finally kicked its explosive play problem?

Can Cincinnati keep marching toward the postseason with a win over the Vikings on Sunday? How can Zac Taylor and Brian Callahan exploit Minnesota’s defensive tendencies? Can Lou Anarumo’s unit take charge against a Vikings offense starting its fourth QB of the season and which could be without Justin Jefferson?

We’ll be returning to your airwaves each and every week — join us next week when we recap Bengals-Vikings and preview Cincinnati’s Week 16 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Want to predict the rest of the 2023 season with our FREE NFL Playoff Predictor? Looking for the most up-to-date NFL standings? What about a breakdown of team depth charts or the NFL schedule? Pro Football Network has you covered with that and more!