NFL Playoff Preview: Why the Cincinnati Bengals Can't Be Counted Out

If the NFL postseason were to begin today, the 7-5 Cincinnati Bengals would be the second wild card team in the AFC.

Still, for whatever reason, football followers nationwide seem to be doubting the Bengals in a major way.

Stay strong, though, Bengal fans. Cincinnati is still very much alive. Here's why...

A Favorable Schedule

After a grueling five-week stretch in which the Bengals faced the Pittsburgh Steelers twice and the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, things seem to finally be easing up for Cincinnati.

The Bengals are set to host a banged-up 9-3 Houston squad this Sunday before taking on two of the NFL's most underachieving franchises in St. Louis and Arizona.

Cincy could realistically win their next three contests and, if they do, they'll be 10-5 heading into a crucial divisional clash with Baltimore in Week 17.

Youth, Youth, Youth

Experience is priceless in the late weeks of the NFL season, but so is endurance.

The Cincinnati Bengals are one of the league's youngest franchises, but they should be able to make up for their lack of experience with a surplus of energy late in the year.

While some of the league's more veteran franchises may begin to wear down as the 17-week season takes its toll, Cincinnati's dynamic young playmakers should have enough left in the tank to make a powerful push for a playoff berth as the regular season comes to a close.

Strength in the Trenches

No matter how talented a team's playmakers are, NFL franchises will almost always struggle if they don't get solid play out of their offensive and defensive lines.

Cincy's defensive line has been the heart and soul of the Bengals' sixth-ranked rush defense, while their offensive line has performed above and beyond expectations as well, giving up just 20 sacks through 13 weeks of play and allowing rookie quarterback Andy Dalton the time required to make plays down-field.

Simply put, Cincinnati's big boys have gotten the job done so far this season and if they can keep things rolling, it could go a long way toward landing the Bengals a playoff spot.

Cincinnati Can Stuff the Run

As the NFL season winds down, weather quickly becomes a major factor.

The cold of winter makes passing the football a much more difficult task, so even the league's most dynamic offensive teams often begin to lean toward a more rush-heavy attack late in the year.

That shift of style could play into Cincinnati's favor as the Bengals' defense has proved much more stout against the run than the pass.

Aside from Week 15's clash with St. Louis, all of Cincy's remaining contests will be played outdoors, so Mother Nature could provide the Bengals' suspect secondary the assistance it so desperately needs.

The Power of Special Teams

Year after year, critical NFL contests are won and lost with special teams.

Whether it's a last-second game-winning field goal or a punt that buries an opponent deep in their own territory, the kicking game is one of the most underrated aspects of the game of football.

Luckily for Cincinnati, the Bengals boast one of the league's most consistent kicking units as both placekicker Mike Nugent and punter Kevin Huber have enjoyed outstanding 2011 seasons.

Nugent has made 21 of his 23 field goal attempts this season, while Huber has averaged nearly 45 yards per punt attempt.

Should any of Cincinnati's remaining games come down to special teams the Bengals will be in good hands.