Fansided

Every NFL team’s roster, ranked by preseason potential

By Rucker Haringey

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 31: Head coach Marvin Lewis of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 31: Head coach Marvin Lewis of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

21. Cincinnati Bengals

Marvin Lewis believes his team has the ability to win the Super Bowl this season, but we respectfully disagree. In particular, Cincinnati is going to struggle to score enough points to be a real postseason threat.

In many ways Andy Dalton epitomizes the team’s entire offense. He probably isn’t bad enough to get you fired, but he’s not good enough to get you to the promised land. He’s utterly average. The same can be said for most of this offense outside of A.J. Green. Specifically, Dalton will need his offensive line to play much better in 2018 to make this group effective. The Bengals hope drafting Billy Price will help solidify their interior.

The defense is slightly better than the offense, but that’s not a huge compliment. Geno Atkins is a stud in the middle of the defensive line. Vontaze Burfict is a solid talent, but his questionable temperament makes him a liability at times. Don’t underestimate Carlos Dunlap’s ability to rush the passer either.

The Bengals will need Dre Kirkpatrick to bounce back in 2018 to help improve the secondary. Fortunately, the rest of their defensive back group is pretty solid. Again, not great, but pretty good.

The Bengals have enough ability to make the playoffs if everything breaks right, but they should discard any notions of a Super Bowl run immediately. There isn’t enough high-end talent on this roster to make those dreams come true.