There's been one certainty in the NFL over the last two seasons and that's that the Cincinnati Bengals will make a deep run in the playoffs. That's thanks to having players like wide receiver Tyler Boyd. 

Cincinnati was in their second consecutive AFC Championship Game in 2022, with the same opponent from the previous year, the Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately, Boyd suffered a deep thigh bruise in the first half and didn't return.

The Bengals ended up losing 23-20, and the Cheifs would win their second Super Bowl in four years. However, Boyd feels the outcome would've been different if he was out there. 

"Still to this day, I feel like if I would have played the whole game, I was the key factor. We would've won the game."-Ben Baby, ESPN 

Well, that's some confidence for you.

Boyd's injury happened with just under 11 minutes left in the second quarter due to a tackle by Chiefs' safety Reid after a 24-yard gain. The Bengals would score a field goal on the drive making the score 6-3 in favor of the Chiefs.

Boyd tried everything he could to get back on the field which included using numbing cream and taking Ibuprofen. However, Boyd determined that it was better for Cincinnati to go another route.

"I just felt like we had enough depth for guys like TI (Trenton Irwin) and other guys to come in and play at a faster pace than what I felt like I could go out there and do," Boyd said on Tuesday. "I wish I was able to do it, but things happen."

Smart money says the Bengals will once again be a major factor in the AFC and certainly in their division. Boyd will have a huge part in that as he, All-Pro Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins will continue causing sleepless nights for defensive coordinators.

Boyd is set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2024. So, if the Bengals don't work something out before then regarding an extension, Boyd will be at the top of next year's off-season to-do list.

Feature image via Kareem Elgazzar / USA TODAY NETWORK