The Bengals are still alive for the NFL playoffs, but the path is difficult after another AFC loss to the Steelers. Here's how the path.

Cincinnati (4-8) keeps scoring lots of points but can't close out games. Seven of the Bengals' eight losses this year have been by one score.

Out of the bye, the Bengals play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13, one of five AFC teams left on the schedule over their last six games. With a little help in an AFC that has been all over the place, the Bengals could still make a run, but the inability to close out games against good teams looms large over the bye.