The Bengals, now on a 2 game winning streak, have lost the chance to pick in the top 5 of the NFL Draft. With a 6-10 record, 8th is the highest they can pick, as the Commanders, who currently occupy the 7th spot, have a 4-12 record. Now, with only 1 game remaining, there is not enough time for that ground to be made up.
While they won’t be able to get one of the top picks, there are still some different possibilities, which will depend on the results of week 18. Below is a look at the teams they will be “competing” with for a higher draft position:
| Team: | Record: | Week 18: |
| New Orleans Saints | 6-10 | @ ATL |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 6-10 | @ LV |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 6-10 | vs CLE |
| Miami Dolphins | 7-9 | @ NE |
| Atlanta Falcons | 7-9 | vs NO |
| Tampa Bay Bucanneers | 7-9 | vs CAR |
The Bengals enter the final week in the 10th position. Their winning streak has seen teams like the Saints and Chiefs climb higher in the order. With a loss, they could potentially pick as high as 8th overall. For this to happen, they would need both the Saints and Chiefs to lose. With a loss, in addition to just one of those teams losing, the Bengals would pick 9th overall.
A win would put the Bengals at 7-10, and ensure that they pick no higher than 10th. Wins by the Dolphins and Falcons would see them drop down to 12th overall in this scenario.
The Buccaneers are included in the chart, as they only have 1 more win than the Bengals. However, with strength of schedule being the tie breaker, Tampa would not be able to pick ahead of them, even if they ended up with the same record.
When it is all said and done, depending on the results of week 18, we could see the Bengals pick as high as 8th overall, and as low as 12th overall.
Featured Image Via: swimfinfan (CC)