Had the Broncos beaten the Bengals on Saturday, Cincinnati Would have been eliminated from the playoffs and had nothing to play for in the final game of the year. This was exactly what the Steelers needed as they continue to jockey for playoff positioning into the final week.

Those Steelers happen to play the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas and the Bengals would prefer if those Chiefs have something to play for in the final week of the season (the AFC’s top seed). As a refresher, the Bengals need the following to happen to make the playoffs:

Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson (No. 84) and Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes (No. 15) celebrate their 11-yard touchdown connection during an NFL Week 17 game against the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, Dec 25, 2024. Barry Reeger Imagn Images It was the most Mahomesian drive of 2024.