CINCINNATI -- In a nutshell, here's what you need to know about the Bengals and the playoffs: The Bengals play the Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium in the Wild Card round on Saturday. Kickoff is at 8:15, but don't bank on scoring tickets.
Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan announced Monday morning just before 10 that single tickets for the game are sold out. Some playoff ticket packages are still available and 2016 season ticket holder can purchase seats for the game, Brennan said in a press release. For more ticket information, visit the Bengals' website or call 866-621-TDTD.
Single tickets for #CINvsPIT playoff game are SOLD OUT as of 9:52 this morning, per @Bengals spokesman. Some playoff pkg tickets available.
— WCPO (@WCPO) January 4, 2016
Now, to answer some other questions you might have about the Bengals going into the playoffs...
Who is the starting quarterback?
For all intents and purposes, bank on AJ McCarron starting. He's been practicing to start all week. Andy Dalton got his cast off Tuesday, but he's not really ready to play yet.
What happened to the possible BYE week?
The Bengals had a shot to get a BYE in the first round of the playoffs. They did their part (winning against the Ravens on Sunday), but the San Diego Chargers also had to upset the Denver Broncos -- or at least tie -- for the Bengals to get the No. 2 spot and sail through the first round with a BYE.
(So if you saw a lot of new Chargers fans in the Tri-State on Sunday, hopefully this clarifies things.)
Everyone watching tv on the treadmills at @PlanetFitness was watching #DENvsSD. @Chargers, you've got a lot of new fans in the 513! @WCPO
— Marais Jacon-Duffy (@Marais_JD) January 3, 2016
If you didn't catch the game, the Chargers lost 27-20 -- but they were ahead for part of the second half until Peyton Manning went into the game.
What happens if the Bengals win? Who would they play next?
If the Bengals win, they would play the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium at 4:35 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16. Tom Brady has a sprained ankle but should heal by the divisional playoff game, ESPN reported Monday. And the Patriots have lost the last two games four of their last six games -- so maybe the funk will continue into the (hopeful) Bengals matchup in round two.
For a more in-depth analysis, read the latest from John Fay
What happens if the Bengals lose?
Yeah, Bengals fans are definitely jaded, especially when it comes to the playoffs. And if the Bengals do lose on Saturday, this season won't go completely to the wayside: This season will still be the Bengals' best since 1988 and the longest undefeated streak in franchise history. That's still something to be proud of.
For what it's worth, Vegas betting odds favor the Steelers, but not by much (-1 spread) with 46.5 over/under.
Will this game be a bloodbath?
You can make your own assumption. But I will say this: Andy Dalton broke his thumb against the Steelers in Week 14. A handful of defensive players left the game with injuries and Tyler Eifert was out after only a few plays with what was later determined to be a concussion. Not only that -- the game was so ugly that players accummulated almost $120,000 in fines.
So yes, there are plenty of reasons for both teams to feel vengeful. Not to mention that the Bengals and Cincinnati don't particularly like the Steelers...
Steelers-Bengals. WW III about to happen.
— David Todd (@DavidMTodd) January 4, 2016
Cue the angry Taylor Swift anthem.
