NFL.com released their first power rankings that I have paid attention to and the Bengals came in at a whopping #23. For a team that finished with two wins last year I was surprised to say the least and it shows that perhaps some people are giving us some respect for the offseason moves and draft picks. I am sure Joe Burrow has a lot to do with it but when the checkbook was opened to revamp the defense it got some heads turning. So here are my thoughts on some of these rankings.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Ok they are not the worst team. Minshew looks like he could either be a boom or bust but this team does not have the worst lineup in the NFL.
Carolina Panthers – I also do not think the Panthers are going to suck. Teddy Bridgewater is a large upgrade from last season’s carousel and I think Cam moving on is healthy for the team. They also have the greatest offensive weapon in the league. Their defense is going to struggle but #29 is a little disrespectful.
LA Rams – They have had a roller coaster offseason but they are still very well coached and are not that far removed from their Super Bowl run. To say the Bengals are better than them is a bit of a stretch until we actually see that play out on the field.
Houston Texans – Yes BoB is a complete psychopath and is tearing that franchise apart but they still have Desean Watson and that dude is at the top of his game. Sure they lost their best WR but they also found a 1b replacement. I am sorry did J.J. Watt change teams? No? Did that offensive line get better? Yes.
New York Giants – #19 are you kidding me. What did they do to deserve this? They aren’t even the best team that plays in their stadium. Jones might be really good but that OL stinks and they need to get better at LB (sound familiar). I also don’t like their receiving options. They should be at the bottom looking up.
Tennessee Titans – They stayed good and are poised to make another run in the AFC. I think that Tannehill has finally found a place to call home and take a look at his stats, he is really good. Oh yeah and Henry tore up the NFL last year.
New England Patriots – What don’t people get, they are tanking this season to get Trevor Lawrence.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – I love TB12 and what the Bucs went out and did. #2 seems like too much too early and it is going to take a season to figure out the right recipe for this team. Top 10 yes for sure.
So without further adieu this inspired me to do my own rankings. Like everyone else I can be wrong because that’s how these things go. The first ever BengalsGM.com power rankings:
| #1 | Chiefs | #17 | Rams |
| #2 | Saints | #18 | Falcons |
| #3 | Ravens | #19 | Raiders |
| #4 | Titans | #20 | Browns |
| #5 | 49ers | #21 | Panthers |
| #6 | Seahawks | #22 | Jets |
| #7 | Buccaneers | #23 | Raiders |
| #8 | Texans | #24 | Bengals |
| #9 | Broncos | #25 | Jaguars |
| #10 | Cardinals | #26 | Bears |
| #11 | Cowboys | #27 | Lions |
| #12 | Vikings | #28 | Chargers |
| #13 | Steelers | #29 | Giants |
| #14 | Bills | #30 | Dolphins |
| #15 | Eagles | #31 | Patriots |
| #16 | Packers | #32 | Redskins |