Bengals Top Two in Week 5 NFL Power Rankings
Sep 21, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) celebrates with fans after defeating the Tennessee Titans at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Tennessee 33-7. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
The Cincinnati Bengals are still in the top two in the NFL Power Rankings after a week four bye. In fact, the top three in almost all of the Power Rankings remained the same due to bye weeks. ESPN, USA Today, and Fox Sports have the Bengals ranked number two, while Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com has them still at the top. This weeks’ Power Rankings might be unchanged, but what each ranking had to say definitely changed.
Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com ranked the Bengals at the top of his Power Rankings for the second week in a row.
"They come off their bye with a huge chance to show they are for real with a game at New England. It’s the first time on national TV for this new-look offense."
ESPN.com has the Bengals ranked number two on their list, but they have some doubts going into the their tough schedule.
"The Bengals and Cardinals (in Denver this week) are the only undefeated teams. The Bengals get the Patriots, Panthers, Colts and Ravens next. The 1972 Dolphins could be toasting early."
FoxSports.com has the Bengals at number two as well, but are a little more convinced that the Bengals are for real.
"The bye allows the Bengals to get WR A.J. Green more time off of his injured foot and that is key. Led by bookend tackles Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith, the Bengals once again have one of the league’s most dominant offensive lines to pair with a defensive secondary that can give the Legion Of Boom a run for its money if they continue at this pace."
USA Today has the last say this week, and at number two, they also might need a little convincing on the Bengals’ status as the team to beat this season.
"Their Week 5 ‘Sunday Night Football’ date in New England should be a good indicator if they’re ready to be AFC heavyweights."
Don’t forget to check out Stripe Hype’s own power rankings. Check us out every Tuesday for the breakdown of where the Bengals stand in each of the top Power Rankings.