The Bengals' playoff hopes have been dealt a devastating blow to the Steelers

In front of their home fans at Paycor Stadium, the Cincinnati Bengals likely saw their playoff chances disappear into the adjacent Ohio River.

The Bengals lost 44-38 to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday afternoon. It is Cincinnati’s third straight loss and seventh loss this season within a score.

“We just didn’t get it done the way we should have,” Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow told reporters. “I think every game is its own challenge and every week has been frustrating in some way.”

Burrow rushed for 309 yards and three touchdowns. It was the third straight game in which Burrow passed for more than 300 yards in a loss. But he threw an interception and lost two fumbles in the loss.

The Bengals’ star quarterback entered Week 13 tied for the lead in the NFL in touchdown passes and among the top three in passing yards. While wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is on pace to lead the NFL in receiving yards and touchdown catches.

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However, Burrow and Chase’s outstanding performances didn’t translate into many wins.

“I have to do my best every week to win,” Burrow said. “In some games I managed that, in some I didn’t.”

According to NFL Next Gen Stats Playoff Probability, Cincinnati only has a 4% chance of making the playoffs.

Burrow confidently proclaimed in January 2023 that the Bengals’ Super Bowl window was his entire career, but the team’s path to a championship this year appears blocked and will only get more difficult.

The dynamic Bengals trio of Burrow, Chase and Tee Higgins is likely playing its final season together. Higgins will likely play his final year in Cincinnati as both teams failed to reach a long-term deal with the wideout. The Bengals have instead prioritized signing Chase to secure a lucrative extension, but they have yet to agree on a contract.

The positive news for the Bengals is that they still have Burrow for the foreseeable future. However, they need to retool their franchise quarterback, especially on the defensive side of the football. The Bengals have given up at least 34 points in six of their losses and entered Week 13 with the NFL’s 28th-ranked scoring defense.

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