The Cincinnati Bengals surprised a lot of folks in 2021 by winning the AFC North and making a Super Bowl run.

Cincinnati came up short against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI.

The loss undoubtedly hurt — despite the fact that no one expected the Bengals to be there.

After making that Super Bowl run, expectations will be significantly higher for Cincinnati in 2022.

Well, not everyone will have higher expectations for the Bengals.

NFL.com recently predicted their division winners in 2022 and they don't think Cincinnati will repeat as AFC North champions.

Instead, they have the Baltimore Ravens winning the division.

From NFL.com:

On paper, the Ravens are still one of the most talented teams in the league. On the field, they just need to stay healthy enough to show it.

Just straight disrespect from NFL.com.

The Bengals have one of the top young quarterbacks in the league. A top-five wide receiver in Ja'Marr Chase and arguably the league's best No. 2 wide receiver in Tee Higgins.

Additionally, Cincinnati improved their biggest weakness this offseason by signing three quality offensive linemen.

The Ravens, meanwhile, are coming off an 8-9 season and a last-place finish in the AFC North.

What sense does it make to pick Baltimore over Cincy?

It feels like there's a lack of belief in Burrow and the Bengals from the national media. And the only reason I can think of is that folks still don't believe Cincinnati can be a consistently winning franchise.

If that's the case, then I guess those folks haven't watched much of Joe Burrow. The guy is a winner. And he makes everyone around him better. If anything, the Bengals should be even better in 2022 than they were in 2021.

Featured image via Sam Greene-USA TODAY Sports