NFL power rankings: Week 14 hump day edition
56. <p>Look out, folks, because the Cincinnati Bengals have regained their swagger. We might be one win away from Andy Dalton putting on that beautiful leather jacket of his, letting the red locks flow and riding out of Paul Brown Stadium a division winner – all while looking like The Fonz.</p> <p>Sure, they beat the mess out of two lifeless squads – the St. Louis Rams and Cincinnati Bengals – but you can only play the games on the schedule. Besides, thumping those two teams to the combined tune of 68-10 is pretty darn impressive. It’s always nice to win the Battle of Ohio, too.</p> <p>Spinning forward, it all comes down to Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Let’s be real here, nothing the Bengals do will mean a thing until they win a postseason game. HOWEVER, cutting the head off the Steelers – the division’s alpha – to lock up the division (and likely first-round bye) would make a strong statement.</p> <p>All season long this team has beaten off critics who have claimed it soft. Can they win close games? Yup. Can they blow teams out? Look at the stats above. Do they win the games they’re supposed to? Yessir. Have they beaten playoff-caliber teams? Weeks 4 and 5 stand out.</p> <p>Now it’s time to close out the division and start pacing for the playoffs. Beat the Steelers and the focus turns towards January.</p>. (10-2). Previous: . Cincinnati Bengals. 2. team