Fansided

Power rankings and record predictions

By Matt Verderame

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
26 of 32
Next
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 6: Quarterback Andy Dalton
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 6: Quarterback Andy Dalton /

7. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals underwent some departures in the offseason, losing receivers Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu to free agency, along with tackle Andre Smith and safety Reggie Nelson. While all those losses chip away at a talented roster, the Bengals are still a playoff-caliber team.

Cincinnati desperately needs to win a playoff game, something the franchise has not done since taking down Jerry Glanville’s Houston Oilers in 1990. Under head coach Marvin Lewis, the Bengals have reached the postseason seven times including each of the past five years, only to lose in the Wild Card round.

With quarterback Andy Dalton returned from a broken thumb and A.J. Green on the outside, Cincinnati’s passing attack should survive. Factor in Giovani Bernard’s pass-catching talents and Tyler Eifert, and the Bengals are still quite multiple offensively.

The defense remains a stout group, led by a line that includes Geno Atkins, Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap. Should the Bengals finally take the next step and make a move in the postseason, it will be behind this group wreaking havoc.

If it goes awry once more for the Bengals in 2016, perhaps it is time to clean house in the coaching ranks.

Record prediction: 11-5

Next: No. 6 Seattle Seahawks