AFC playoff picture: The Bengals are in position to advance to the 2024-25 NFL playoffs

The Cincinnati Bengals kept their hopes alive on Sunday, earning a 21-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns.

The win not only gave the Bengals a much-needed division win, but also a much-needed AFC Conference win if they plan on returning to the postseason.

Here's a look at where things stand as the NFL playoffs begin today.

AFC North standings after Sunday (Week 7):

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)

2. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)

3. Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)

4. Cleveland Browns (1-6)

As of this writing, the Steelers are leading the AFC North, but a Baltimore victory on Monday Night Football would also move them to 5-2. Pittsburgh is better with four conference wins than Baltimore with two wins, but Baltimore has the only division win between the two.

AFC rankings after Sunday (Week 7)

The Bengals still have a lot of work to do (and need some help) if they want to capture the AFC North this season, but they're gearing up to be in the postseason if they can keep racking up wins.

Here is the AFC playoff picture currently, with the Bengals two spots below the final playoff spot.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (6-0)

2. Houston Texans (5-2, 4-0 AFC)

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2, 4-1 AFC)

4. Buffalo Bills (5-2, 4-2 AFC)

5. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)

6. Los Angeles Chargers (3-2)

7. Indianapolis Colts (4-3, 3-2 AFC)

8. Denver Broncos (4-3, 2-2 AFC)

9.Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)

10. Miami Dolphins (2-4, 2-3 AFC)

11. Las Vegas Raiders (2-5, 2-3 AFC, .385 winning percentage)

12. New York Jets (2-5, 2-3 AFC, .154 winning percentage)

13. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5, 2-4 AFC)

14. Tennessee Titans (1-5)

15. Cleveland Browns (1-6, 1-2 AFC)

16. New England Patriots (1-6, 1-4 AFC)

A win against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday is a necessity to compete, but with the Las Vegas Raiders coming to Cincinnati in two weeks, it's a great opportunity for the Bengals to get another win in the AFC.

The Bengals are far from out of the hunt, but their margin for error is very small.