Joe Mixon has emerged as a key factor in the Cincinnati Bengals' playoff push, demonstrating his value through dominant recent performances. In the last two games since their Week Eleven bye, Mixon has accumulated 288 yards and four touchdowns on 58 carries, earning consecutive FedEx Ground Player of the Week honors.

Despite running behind an average offensive line (ranked 16th in run blocking), Mixon ranks third in the NFL with 694 yards after contact and fifth with 220 breakaway yards. His combination of power and elusiveness makes him particularly difficult to tackle.

The Bengals' strategy of leaning on Mixon follows a proven formula for playoff success. Recent examples include:

• 2018 San Francisco 49ers (multi-back approach)
• 2019 Los Angeles Rams (Todd Gurley MVP season)
• 2019 Tennessee Titans (Derrick Henry-led run to AFC Championship)

While many veteran running backs have struggled with injuries and declining performance after signing extensions, Mixon has remained reliable. Playing all 11 games for the 7-4 Bengals this season, he ranks third in the NFL with 208 rushing attempts, justifying the team's $48 million investment.

This ground-focused approach, combined with Joe Burrow's passing threat, positions the Bengals as serious contenders in the AFC playoff race. The team has outscored opponents 73-23 in their last two games, even with Burrow throwing for under 200 yards in each contest.

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