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2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

By Russell S. Baxter

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 29, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 22-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 22-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
24

Cincinnati Bengals 6-9-1

Last week: 3rd, AFC North
Last rank: 24th

Looking Back: For the first time since 2010, the Bengals were not headed to the playoffs. Despite a solid season from quarterback Andy Dalton, the team struggled to score points due to a lack of bodies at wide receiver. But the biggest fall from grace in the Queen City was a defensive unit that looked like a shell of its recent solid self.

Looking Forward: Having a healthy A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert to throw to for an entire season certainly may have helped. Versatile running back Giovani Bernard also saw his season cut short by injury. The continued development of young receivers such as Tyler Boyd, Cody Core and James Wright is extremely important. The Bengals must also do a little tweaking on defense, especially when it comes to tightening up a group that finished 21st in the NFL in that key department in 2016. Head coach Marvin Lewis certainly deserved to return after a disappointing year. But he and the club must make amends quickly.

Offseason needs: The Bengals are a team that usually relies on the draft and probably will do so again in April. Meanwhile, veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth and right guard Kevin Zeitler could both opt for free agency in March. However, it would be a bit of a surprise if the team lets either of them get away. Cincinnati has drafted plenty of cornerbacks in the first round in recent years and now must decide if they want to retain Dre’ Kirkpatrick. The five-year veteran tied for the team lead with three interceptions in 2016 and finished second on the club with 10 passes defensed.

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