Cincinnati Bengals: Week 1 Power Rankings Roundup
It is that time again. NFL analysts take a look at who they believe are the top teams in the NFL and who needs to improve greatly. Where do the Bengals fall in all of this?
Every week, we will look at where the Bengals fall on the top power rankings list by analysts like, Elliot Harrison, Pete Prisco, and ESPN.com. Starting from week one, where do the Bengals fit in and are they underestimated.
Elliot Harrison of NFL.com: #9
"Sure, it was the preseason, but Dalton looked steady and ready. Also think Jeremy Hill is going to shut more than a few people up with a 1,000-yard campaign. Hill is quite motivated to put that crushing fumble in the rearview."
Listen, I understand where Elliot is coming from here. The Bengals looked good in the preseason with their starting crew, but it was preseason. However, to put them behind a Broncos team, who will have to try to score more points without a good quarterback, come on!
Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com: #5
"They are a deep, talented team that might have been a Super Bowl team in 2015 if they didn’t lose Andy Dalton down the stretch. They will be right back in the mix again."
Pete was the first one last season to give the Bengals the top of his power rankings. This season, he is showing the same faith in them once again. I fully agree with Mr. Prisco, they were good enough and are good enough this season.
ESPN.com Editors and Writer: #7
"With Tyler Eifert out and with no clear-cut No. 2 wide receiver, the Bengals could try to ride Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard in the early going. That might work in the long run, but their Week 1 opponent, the Jets, had the second-best rush defense last season. More from Stripe Hype3 teams that Joe Burrow could torch with his arm in 2022Bengals Roster: Drew Sample injury should push other TEs to step upBengals 2022 Training Camp: Top 3 takeaways from Day 8Bengals LT Jonah Williams probably psyched to see D.J. Humphries extension numbersCowboys’ Trevon Diggs puts Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase in his top-5 WR rankings"
Dear ESPN, The Steelers are without Le’Veon Bell, yet you ranked them second. You then complain about Tyler Eifert being out and say the Bengals season is over before it begins? Makes no sense, but don’t worry, you no longer have your top analyst in the booth, he went to NBC Sports. Now who will put up with Jon Gruden’s commentary punchlines?
There is one thing that is clear, until the season starts, this power ranking is all opinion. Once the first teams become the center of the action on a regular basis, these power rankings will become more accurate.