NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 15

Previous: . cincinnati bengals. 6. team. 56. <p>The Cincinnati Bengals lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, but the game’s outcome pales in comparison to the real loss of quarterback Andy Dalton.</p> <p>Dalton went down with a thumb injury he sustained while making a tackle following a turnover. We was sent to the back, never returned and head coach Marvin Lewis was mum on how long the injury will sideline the star quarterback. Dalton will see a hand specialist early in the week, but speculation currently ranges that he’ll be out anywhere from two week to the rest of the season.</p> <p>Considering the circumstances, backup AJ McCarron did rather well in Dalton’s stead. Boom or bust, would probably be the best phrase, really. McCarron threw a beautiful bomb to AJ Green for a touchdown, but also had a pick-six on the day. Two touchdowns, two interceptions – could’ve been better, could have been worse.</p> <p>From a legacy and criticism standpoint, this injury is an absolute worst-case scenario for Dalton. His team has been rolling this year, looking primed to take the playoffs by storm and exorcise any lingering demons. Now, if the Bengals lost in the postseason it’ll be more of the same. If they win, and it’s without Dalton, he looks like a goob who was holding them back.</p> <p>Cincinnati had a chance to leave Sunday’s game with a playoff berth and clinched division. Instead they exited with a truckload of questions.</p>. (10-3)