If you're a team in the AFC, the Cincinnati Bengals are one of the main obstacles you'll overcome. They have won back-to-back division titles and appeared in the conference title game in each of the past two seasons. 

It's made deep playoff runs an expectation when it comes to the Bengals. The reason they can have this type of success is because they have a well-put-together roster. 

That's been on full display this offseason as the Bengals have been wheeling and dealing with the best. Pro Football Focus recently gave them an A for what they have done in free agency and the NFL Draft.

Cincinnati securing the services of Orlando Brown Jr. at tackle was both unexpected and excellent opportunistic work. Brown has five straight seasons with a PFF pass-blocking grade of at least 74.4 and helps further solidify the Bengals' offensive line. Cody Ford adds depth to the group, as well, while the gamble that Irv Smith Jr. can remain healthy is an excellent buy-low gamble.

The Bengals brought in La'el Collins, Alex Cappa, and Ted Karras last offseason as they revamped their offensive line. So, bringing in Brown was another brick added to the offensive line wall and secures quarterback Joe Burrow's blindside. 

Ford will join Jonah Williams, who started for several years at left tackle, in the competition for right tackle duties while Collins is still recovering from a torn ACL and MCL, and he'll also compete at guard. So, slowly but surely, the Bengals are figuring out things in one of their most important areas. 

Their draft was an excellent one also, with Myles Murphy bringing elite tools and flashes of play at an area of the draft where that skill set is typically gone. Cornerback D.J. Turner, safety Jordan Battle, receiver Charlie Jones and running back Chase Brown all future-proof areas of the roster without needing to be pressed into full-time roles right away.

Murphy adds excellent depth behind Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard on the edge and he will get to play some valuable reps as well. Turner and Battle join 2022 draft picks Dax Hill and Cam Taylor-Britt as the young foundation of the secondary for years to come in Cincinnati. 

Jones is an intriguing draft selection with Tyler Boyd set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2024 at the moment, so he could be a look at the future at slot receiver with his speed and athleticism. Brown and his 4.38 speed add another nuclear weapon to the Bengals' offense, and he's a nice change of pace from Joe Mixon. 

The Bengals have a top-five quarterback, arguably the best trio at wide receiver in the NFL, an improving offensive line, and tons of young depth on defense. So, seeing Cincinnati deep in the playoffs may be the norm going forward.