2012 NFL Playoffs: Bengals Clinch Wild Card Berth with Broncos Loss

The Denver Broncos lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, 7-3, meaning the Cincinnati Bengals clinch the final wild card in the AFC.

The Bengals lost to the Baltimore Ravens today, but it doesn't matter. They're still in the playoffs, and that's all that matters.

The Broncos still make the playoffs, because the Oakland Raiders lost to the San Diego Chargers today. So, against the odds, Tim Tebow will continue to play, despite a three-game losing streak.

It wasn't the prettiest Week 17 for these teams, but they are still in the playoffs, where anything can happen. Last year, the Green Bay Packers sneaked in the playoffs, and they ended up winning the Super Bowl.

Neither of these teams are Super Bowl favorites by any means, but they are still good enough to do some damage. If they get hot, who knows what could happen.

The Bengals are young and hungry. They have a good defense, and a game-managing quarterback leading the way. I sure wouldn't want to face them in a do-or-die situation.

One thing to remember about the Bengals, however, is that they haven't beaten a team headed to the playoffs. They've played nine games against non-playoff teams, and they're 9-0. Against playoff-bound teams: 0-7.

Nevertheless, they're back in the playoffs for the second time in three years. Led by Andy Dalton, they are looking to defeat the Houston Texans next week.

The Texans are led by Arian Foster, and they hope to keep their elite rushing attack alive.

The game will be played in Houston.