Since 1990, 162 teams have started the season 0-3 and only four have made the postseason. Of those four, two won their respective divisions. The Bengals haven't won a game through three weeks, and since history gives them a 2.5% chance of making the playoffs, the football world has seemed to write them off for the remainder of the year. 

Even though Cincinnati's playoff chances are slim based on history, 0-3 teams making the playoffs is still a case by case basis. The Cold, Hard Football Facts show the Bengals have the chance to be the fifth team in NFL history to make the playoffs after starting winless through three games. 

Through three weeks, the Bengals are 19th in the Quality Stats Power Rankings. Considering they haven't won a game, the stats show they have been efficient for a large chunk of their games. Pittsburgh is 6th in the rankings, and currently are the highest positioned AFC North team. 

Yet, the Ravens who are currently favored to win the division, are 1-2 and sitting in 13th. The Browns are 22nd, so the Bengals are not outliers from the remainder of their division. 

Pittsburgh doesn't have a division winning offense, so we expect their hot start to fade. For the Ravens, if they lose on Sunday and the Bengals win, which is highly possible based on their respective opponents, the two teams are tied in the standings. 

The 0-3 start may seem daunting, but the Bengals are in the best possible position in their division considering they haven't won a contest. Cincinnati's defense has been a liability, as we saw last Monday against Jayden Daniels. 

We can't sugarcoat their defensive stats. The team is 23rd in Defensive Rusher Rating and 26th in Defensive Rusher Rating. Despite this, the most indicative stat for championship football teams is Real Quarterback Rating, and the Bengals are 11th in the NFL.

Cincinnati is also seventh in Offensive Passer Rating. They have the offense to be competitive with Joe Burrow, so if the defense can improve, the Bengals are still a threat in the AFC North. 

The team is +118 to make the playoffs and +340 to win the AFC North. If Cincinnati can get back on track Sunday, we expect the narrative to change for the Bengals.