Bengals get a bold playoff prediction from 'First Take' crew

The Cincinnati Bengals, technically speaking, aren’t out of the playoff race just yet as Joe Burrow returns.

But the Bengals are 3-8 and the season-ending stretch includes two games against the Baltimore Ravens, including the Thanksgiving night primetime affair where Burrow will get the start.

A longshot, to be sure, but not one everyone is immediately discounting it.

Take, for example, ESPN’s Chris Canty: "The Cincinnati Bengals absolutely have an opportunity to get into the playoffs by winning the AFC North."

RELATED: Bengals might adjust playbook for Joe Burrow without ‘full mobility’

This is a new one for Bengals fans. Normally, the hot take shows don’t shine the Bengals in a positive light.

But this is a fun narrative thread to give a tug. If the Bengals were to win out, that would tack two losses onto the already 6-5 Ravens, who happen to lead the AFC North.

During a normal year, finishing 9-8 probably wouldn’t get it done. But with a six-win team leading the division right now, there’s a little wiggle room.

It’s unlikely the Bengals take down Baltimore twice, plus Buffalo, Miami, Arizona and Cleveland. But it’s getting more interesting to watch down the stretch, which is something.

RELATED: Trey Hendrickson injury could force Bengals DE into offseason surgery

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals get a bold playoff prediction from 'First Take' crew