Bengals surge high in latest power rankings
In many ways, hope was restored for the Cincinnati Bengals after they defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 34-20. A 14-point win over one of the worst teams in the NFL usually isn't a cause for relief, but the Bengals weren't far off from the Cardinals prior to Sunday's game. They needed a convincing victory as badly […]
In many ways, hope was restored for the Cincinnati Bengals after they defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 34-20.
A 14-point win over one of the worst teams in the NFL usually isn't a cause for relief, but the Bengals weren't far off from the Cardinals prior to Sunday's game. They needed a convincing victory as badly as ever.
It wasn't just the mere fact that they won, but how they won that has many buying back in to the Bengals this year.
Sports Illustrated's Conor Orr bumped the Bengals up from 15th to 10th in his latest power rankings, primarily because Joe Burrow looked like he has returned to form. Burrow's connection with Ja'Marr Chase was on full display, and it wouldn't be surprising if it were the catalyst to Cincinnati turning its season around.
"This was a complementary game for the Bengals, who logged a defensive touchdown before the absolutely beautiful long ball from Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase that we may view as the restart button on the 2023 season." – SI's Conor Orr
Recapturing their identity has the Bengals feeling back on track, but the track has plenty of sharp twists and turns. Five of the nine teams ahead of the Bengals in Orr's power rankings are on the Bengals' schedule for the remainder of the season, including three of their next opponents in the Seattle Seahawks (9th), San Francisco 49ers (1st), and Buffalo Bills (7th).
Climbing higher in the ranks will require Burrow and his team to continue building and stacking wins against top competition, and a trip back to the playoffs is dependent on it.
Five winners from Bengals’ 34-20 victory over Cardinals
A banner day from Cincinnati’s offense.
