Ravens game Sunday key if Cincinnati has aspirations of returning to NFL playoffs.

Eight weeks deep into the NFL season, it's time to start thinking — and talking — playoffs.

This much is clear: If the Bengals don't shift into a higher gear, they'll be on the outside looking in come Jan. 1.

Sunday's game at Baltimore is pivotal because so much is riding on the outcome.

What's at stake: A victory ties the Bengals with the Ravens atop the AFC North Division, giving Cincinnati a 3-0 division record and the upper hand in a tiebreaker situation with Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

A loss drops the Bengals two games behind Baltimore with eight to play. Instead of controlling their destiny, the Bengals will need help to claim a second straight division title.

A peek ahead: Advantage, Ravens.

Their remaining opponents have a combined 27-36 record and .429 winning percentage. Baltimore has five home games remaining and it finishes against three 2-5 clubs — a road game at Pittsburgh sandwiched between home games against Cleveland and Buffalo.

The Bengals' remaining foes are a combined 38-25 (.603). Cincinnati has four home games left and closes with brutal road games at Indianapolis (7-0) and Denver (5-2) before hosting Pittsburgh on New Year's Eve.

Playoff breakdown: Twelve teams make the playoffs — four division winners from the AFC and NFC, plus two wild card teams from each conference.

The top two AFC and NFC teams get first-round byes. The other eight play on Wild Card weekend.

Sneaking up: Even though the Bengals and Ravens have separated themselves in the AFC North, don't count out Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

Remember 2005? The Steelers won their final four regular-season games to steal the AFC's No. 6 and final seed, then captured Super Bowl XL with a four-game sweep in the playoffs.

Edge, Ravens
The remaining eight teams (for nine games) on Cincinnati's schedule have a cumulative 33-23 record, while the rest of Baltimore's foes have a combined 20-30 record.
 
BENGALS (4-3)
Nov. 5 at Baltimore (5-2)
Nov. 12 SAN DIEGO (5-2)
Nov. 19 at New Orleans (5-2)
Nov. 26 at Cleveland (2-5)
Nov. 30 BALTIMORE (5-2)
Dec. 10 OAKLAND (2-5)
Dec. 18 at Indianapolis (7-0)
Dec. 24 at Denver (5-2)
Dec. 31 PITTSBURGH (2-5)
 
RAVENS (5-2)
Nov. 5 CINCINNATI (4-3) 
Nov. 12 at Tennessee (2-5) 
Nov. 19 ATLANTA (5-2) 
Nov. 26 PITTSBURGH (2-5) 
Nov. 30 at Cincinnati (4-3) 
Dec. 10 at Kansas City (4-3) 
Dec. 17 CLEVELAND (2-5) 
Dec. 24 at Pittsburgh (2-5) 
Dec. 31 BUFFALO (2-5) 

Dayton Daily News

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