The Cincinnati Bengals were owners of the NFL’s longest playoff win drought before they defeated the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday, the franchise’s first postseason win since 1990.
With the Bengals’ triumphant win, the Detroit Lions – owners of a 30-year drought – jumped to the top of that list, with six other teams also having gone at least 10 years since their last playoff wins, according to ProFootballNetwork.com.
Cincinnati’s climb to the Divisional Round of the playoffs was unexpected; it had a 6.5 preseason win line (with shorter odds on the under) and entered the season with AFC North-worst odds to win the division, second-lowest odds to win the conference and tied for second-lowest odds to win the Super Bowl.
To say the Bengals came from out of nowhere would be an understatement, but their quick ascent sets a precedent for the Lions and every other team in the midst of lengthy playoff win droughts. With the right pieces in place, they, too, can change the trajectory of their franchises in a single offseason.
So, which are in line to do that the best for a playoff push next season? Let’s take a look.
