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NFL power rankings: 2019 edition – Patriots finish on top, again

By Russell S. Baxter

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots and teammate Tom Brady #12 celebrate at the end of the Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The New England Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots and teammate Tom Brady #12 celebrate at the end of the Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The New England Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 23, 2018: Defensive tackle Geno Atkins #97 of the Cincinnati Bengals warms up prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns on December 23, 2018 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won 26-18. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 23, 2018: Defensive tackle Geno Atkins #97 of the Cincinnati Bengals warms up prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns on December 23, 2018 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won 26-18. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

24. Cincinnati Bengals (6-10)

4th Place, AFC North

Season Review: A club that had missed the playoffs two straight years after reaching the postseason five consecutive seasons from 2011-15 would win four of its first five games. But even before injuries derailed quarterback Andy Dalton and wide receiver A.J. Green, the Cincinnati defense was having issues. Marvin Lewis’ team wound up 32nd in the league in both total yards and passing yards allowed, 30th in points surrendered while only three teams in the league gave more rushing yards. And after 16 seasons and seven playoff appearances (without a win) with the franchise, the team moved on from their head coach.

2018 Turning Point: At 4-1 and with a 21-20 lead with 1:18 to play over the visiting Steelers in Week 6, the Bengals were on the verge of putting themselves in prime position in terms of playoff contention. But Pittsburgh would rally for the win, the start of a 2-8 finish for a team headed to the AFC North basement.

2019 Priorities: Rams’ assistant Zac Taylor will be named the Bengals’ new head coach now that their season is over. There will be a new offensive coordinator (Brian Callahan) as well. The team could be looking for tight ends and offensive line help during free agency and in the draft.

Next: No. 23

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