Bengals break their playoff curse

The playoff drought of the Cincinnati Bengals has lasted longer than texting on cell phones was introduced, but after a 26-19 win over the Raiders in Cincinnati, the curse of the Bengals seems to have disappeared. Joe Burrow has proven, with a healthy roster like Cincinnati's, anything is possible.

With a close overtime loss to Green Bay and a win over Kansas City late in the season, the Bengals proved they can compete with the top teams in the league. "We expect to beat everybody that we play, not just hang with them," Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow said after the game. I mean, it’s exciting. But this is expected. This isn’t like the icing on top of the cake or anything. This is the cake. So we’re moving on. " Head Coach Zac Taylor commented on the first playoff win in 30 years for the franchise. "I’m just really, really happy for the city of Cincinnati and that they get a chance to enjoy this," Taylor said. And now, just exhale and enjoy the ride we have. Because we’re not done yet. "

A pivotal play on third-and-four at the end of the first half, when Bengals quarterback Burrow scrambled and found Tyler Boyd for a 10-yard touchdown pass to give Cincinnati a 20-6 lead. Initially, it appeared the burrow was going to go out of bounds. A referee even blew an errant whistle. But the play continued, and Cincinnati got a key red-zone touchdown. But for now, Cincinnati can rest while they find out whether if Kansas City wins, the Bengals go to Tennessee for the divisional round to face the Titans, and if Pittsburgh wins tomorrow, Cincinnati goes to Buffalo next week to play the Bills.