It's hard to believe Week 17 of the NFL season is upon us with a game many had circled as being a significant match-up with possible high seeding in the AFC playoffs on the line.

The past two seasons saw the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs battle for a berth in the Super Bowl, with many feeling this regular season match-up could be a possible repeat leading into the playoffs.

Instead, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the Chiefs have been struggling, losing two of their past three games. In contrast, the Bengals lost Joe Burrow for the season after he nursed a calf injury early to go with weeks of solid performances and weeks where they did not play to their potential.

While Mahomes and the Chiefs look to have their playoff ticket punched, Cincinnati needs to win their final two games and hope some things happen for them to earn a berth for the third straight season in the playoffs.

In the latest Dave Lapham Keys To Bengals Victory, presented by First Star Logistics, Lap looks at what the Bengals must do for a chance to earn the first of two wins needed to keep their playoff dreams alive.

Remember to participate in the First Star Logistics Giveaway each week the Bengals play. Visit First Star Logistics on X (Twitter) for details each week during the season. https://twitter.com/Firststarlog