“Ain’t nobody trying to watch Bo Nix, a rookie quarterback, play over Joe Burrow,” Saturday said, according to Zack Kelberman. Everybody’s tuning in [for] Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins. … If they get in the playoffs, it’s a much better story.”

Joe Burrow leads the NFL in passing yards (4,229) and touchdowns (39). His top receiver, Ja'Marr Chase, is the No. 1 pass-catcher in receptions (108), receiving yards (1,510) and touchdowns (16).

After weeks of scoreboard watching, hoping against AFC rivals, and calculating the percentage chances of making the playoffs, the Bengals (7-8) have reached a conclusive moment of the season: Win on Sunday against the Denver Broncos (9-6) at Paycor Stadium (4:30 p.m., NFL Network), or the 2024-25 season will be a losing one with no postseason.