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2014 NFL Playoffs: Ranking The Playoff Field

By Evan Massey

Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks to pass against the St. Louis Rams during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks to pass against the St. Louis Rams during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 22, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) against the Denver Broncos at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 37-28. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) against the Denver Broncos at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 37-28. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have been an inconsistent team for the most part of the season, but they have a lot of talent and put it all together two weeks ago in a big win against the Denver Broncos.

Rookie running back Jeremy Hill has come up big since taking over the starting job for Giovani Bernard, and has had five 100-yard games. Cincinnati is going to be using him as a workhorse to help take as much pressure off of quarterback Andy Dalton as they can. Unfortunately, the quarterback position is exactly what has made them an inconsistent football team.

Dalton has never shown the ability to play at a consistently high level, and he is a major issue against better playmaking defenses. A.J. Green’s presence has helped Dalton out a lot, but he can’t do it all by himself.

Cincinnati can’t be ranked higher at this point in time due to the inconsistent offense that they have. Their defense has been extremely inconsistent as well, ranking 20th against both the pass and run. At this point in time, the Bengals still have too many holes to rank them any higher.

Next: 6. Detroit Lions

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