The Bengals played well in their blowout win over the Miami Dolphins in week 16, but did not do their draft position any favours. They started the week with the 9th pick, and actually didn’t move down, despite the win. However, a loss would have had them in the 8th spot, ahead of the New Orleans Saints. Sitting at 5-10, the chart below shows where things stand for the Bengals
| Team: | Record: | Week 17: | Week 18: |
| Cleveland Browns | 3-12 | vs PIT | @ CIN |
| New York Jets | 3-12 | vs NE | @ BUF |
| Tennessee Titans | 3-12 | vs NO | @ JAX |
| Arizona Cardinals | 3-12 | @ CIN | @ LAR |
| Washington Commanders | 4-11* | 4-12 | @ PHI |
| New Orleans Saints | 5-10 | vs TEN | @ ATL |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 5-10 | vs ARI | vs CLE |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 6-9* | 6-10 | @ LV |
| Miami Dolphins | 6-9 | vs TB | @ NE |
| Atlanta Falcons | 6-9 | vs LAR | vs NO |
| Baltimore Ravens | 6-9 | @ GB | @ PIT |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7-8 | @ MIA | vs CAR |
Coming up with games against the Cardinals and Browns, both games are winnable for the Bengals. In fact, it will probably end up that they are favoured in both. With teams like the Chiefs, Dolphins, and Falcons sitting at 6 wins, the Bengals could potentially move down a few spots with a win over the Cardinals.
On the flip side, if they come away with a loss to the Cardinals, we could see them move up to the 8th spot, if the Saints lose this week. In order to move higher than that, the Bengals would have to lose both games, while also getting some help from around the league.
