3 Jan 2012

Bengals earn final AFC wild card place

10:46 am on 3 January 2012

The Cincinnati Bengals have clinched the final AFC wild card spot in the NFL's post season despite closing out the regular season with a loss 24-16 to the Baltimore Ravens

The Bengals have advanced to the postseason due to losses by the New York Jets and Denver Broncos.

The Ravens are also on their way to the playoffs, clinching the AFC's second seed and a first-round bye and will begin their postseason with a game at home.

The Bengals will open the post-season this weekend when they travel to Houston to face the AFC South champion Texans.

Meanwhile the New York Giants have defeated the Dallas Cowboys 31-14 in the NFL's season finale to claim the NFC East crown and a place in the playoffs.

The Giants return to the post-season for the first time in three years, earning the number four seed and a home game against Atlanta Falcons.