Bengals Jump in PowerRankings

Sep 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

If you thought that the Bengals going into Baltimore and getting a win was impressive then you are not alone. This week’s power rankings would suggest that even the sports media was surprised. This week we look at CBS Sports, ESPN, and Bleacher Report.

CBS Analyst Pete Prisco had the Bengals high last week at number 6 and even higher at number 3 this week.

"“Going into Baltimore and beating up the Ravens the way they did is impressive. The defense looks like it is for real.”"

That wasn’t even the most shocking of the power rankings. In fact, Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller probably had the most inaccurate of the power rankings in my opinion, with the Bengals not only at number 8, but still behind a Patriots team that was manhandled in the second half by a good, but not great, Miami Dolphins team. Don’t worry, last week the Bengals were 12th behind the Ravens.

"“The Cincinnati Bengals opened against the Baltimore Ravens with a chance to make a statement in the AFC North, and they did that with a 23-16 win over their rivals. The game was close all the way to the final minutes, but the Bengals secured a win over a threat to their division crown.”"

Obviously he didn’t watch the game, it was 15-0 at the end of the first half and the Ravens made it close only in the second half, but couldn’t find the end zone after the Bengals 77-yard reception from Dalton to Green.

Finally ESPN.com’s power ranking is probably the best ranking system I know, they even disclose at the bottom it is a collaboration of 80 analysts, writers, editors to come up with their power ranking; a way to make sure one opinion doesn’t rule over all. Where do they have the Bengals you ask? At number 5! They were 9 last week.

"“A.J. Green’s 77-yard touchdown reception saved the day for the Bengals. Green had six catches for 131 yards and a touchdown Sunday — just another day for Cincinnati’s top weapon.”"

If the Bengals can pull out a win at home against a tough Falcons team, I wouldn’t be shocked if they break the top 3 in more than just CBS sports.