The Cincinnati Bengals and FC Cincinnati face significant tests this Sunday. With FC Cincinnati striving to clinch their first MLS Cup Playoffs berth. While the Cincinnati Bengals face a primetime divisional clash.

Sunday night will be a big eye test moment for the Bengals. Taking on the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore. Heading into this season, the Bengals and Ravens were considered the main contenders for the AFC North title. That remains the case heading into Sunday night. With both teams heading into this week 2-2.

After losing their first two games by last second field goals. The Bengals showed significant signs of improvement in their last two weeks. After spending the first two weeks dusting themselves off. Scoring early after their offense struggled in the first two weeks. Their offensive line has done a better job protecting quarterback Joe Burrow in their last two games.

The Bengals are starting to look like the team many expect them to be. Yet, their improvements have been partially overshadowed from a national perspective. Their first win of the season was against the New York Jets. A team that has been mostly mired in mediocrity over the last decade. Many nationally and locally would’ve hit the panic button if the Bengals lost. Cincinnati’s win last Thursday night was overshadowed by Tua Tagovailoa’s injury. A moment that renewed criticism of the Miami Dolphins organization.

Sunday’s game will feature two of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL. Lamar Jackson has been impressive so far this season. As he pursues a massive payday after this season. Burrow has improved from week to week after getting sacked and intercepted numerous times in the first two games. Defensively, the Bengals might have a fascinating night. Against a Ravens defense that hasn’t lived up to its reputation so far this season. While the Bengals defense increasingly looks like the unit that propelled the team to the last Super Bowl.

By the time the Bengals game begins. We will know whether FC Cincinnati has clinched their first MLS Cup Playoffs berth in franchise history. The playoff picture in FC Cincinnati’s Eastern Conference looks clearer after Wednesday. The top seven in each conference advances to the playoffs. FCC can clinch a playoff berth with a win or tie against D.C. United. FC Cincinnati can even advance with a loss. Unless the Columbus Crew and Orlando City tie on Sunday.

Those are Sunday’s Decision Day scenarios after two matches Wednesday night. The Columbus Crew and Charlotte FC played to a 2-2 draw. Resulting in Charlotte being knocked out of playoff contention. While Inter Miami clinched a playoff berth through beating Orlando City 4-1. Miami now ranks fifth in the Eastern Conference with 48 match points. Two points ahead of sixth place FC Cincinnati and seventh place Columbus. Orlando is still contending in eighth place with 45 points.

Beyond clinching a playoff berth, FC Cincinnati’s match presents another kind of test. FC Cincinnati has made several improvements this season. Avoiding the goalless streaks that haunted them in previous years. Not giving up too many costly goals late in matches. Along with piling up match points instead of losses.

Getting match points in a clutch situation would be a big sign of improvement. FC Cincinnati missed a chance to clinch a playoff berth last week. By falling to a 3-0 deficit against the Chicago Fire. Before ultimately losing their home finale 3-2 last Saturday. This Sunday is a chance for FCC to not leave points on the pitch. By showcasing the improvements that have turned the team into a playoff contender.

Sunday’s FCC Decision Day match is set to start at 2:30 PM Eastern. That match can be seen on WSTR-TV (64) and out-of-market on ESPN+. Along with being broadcast on WSAI-AM (1360). The Bengals and Ravens Sunday Night Football game is set to start at 8:20 PM on NBC. The Bengals game can also be heard on WLW-AM (700), WCKY-AM (1530) and WEBN-FM (102.7).