Bengals Power Ramking = 6th

[DesperateDerelict]

Although I generally despise Adler and his website, it's interesting that he's jumped on the "WHO-DEY" band wagon!

About Football's NFL Power Rankings

Jun 3 2005

Hey, I know... it's waaaayyy too early for power rankings. Training camp is still a month and a half away. But what the heck? What else are we going to talk about at this time of year besides a few roster cuts here and there?

This year, I'm popping in a couple surprises, as there always seems to be in this age of parity. So if my ranking of the Cincinnati Bengals makes you uneasy, or my thoughts on the Arizona Cardinals appear to be a cry for help, keep in mind that the San Diego Chargers were near the bottom of everyone's list at the beginning of the '04 season.

And if your favorite team isn't ranked as high as you'd like, keep in mind this is just one person's opinion and has no bearing on the outcome of the season. Threats to kidnap and torture my toy chihuahua with a fork will do you no good.

1. New England Patriots

How can you go against Bill Belichick? This team has a few chinks in the armor, but the Patriots always seem to have an answer. Questions exist at inside linebacker and in the secondary, and it’s unknown how the team will react to new coordinators on both offense and defense.

2. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts managed to hold together the offense, and Tony Dungy has a few playmakers on defense as well. Peyton Manning should continue to put big points on the board, so if the Colts are going to take the next step, they have got to show more consistency on the other side of the ball.

3. Philadelphia Eagles

With or without Terrell Owens, the Eagles are still the class of the NFC.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

Watch for signs of the sophomore slump early out of Ben Roethlisberger, but if the Steelers can keep the running game going at full steam, he could take another step forward.

5. Minnesota Vikings

Randy Moss is gone, but what the Vikings lost in offensive firepower, they should more than compensate for with a stiffer defense.

6. Cincinnati Bengals

This is my breakout team of the year and Carson Palmer is my breakout player of the year. The second-year starter picked up a lot of confidence at the end of the ‘04 season, and appears ready to emerge as one of the top young signal-callers in the league. Look for big things in Cincy this year!

7. Atlanta Falcons

I just love the addition of Edgerton Hartwell to the middle of the line backing crew, and his presence will stiffen an already potent run defense. Mike Vick needs to increase his accuracy and ability to read defenses, but he also needs to keep doing what he does best… making plays.

8. Green Bay Packers

The Packers still have a lot of questions on defense, but with Favre back, the offense should continue to be among the league’s best. Their secondary must improve over last season if they hope to hold off the Vikings again this year.

9. New York Jets

Assuming Pennington comes back healthy this year, I expect the Jets to challenge the Patriots in the AFC East.

10. Carolina Panthers

This team got on a roll late last year once they got a few key players back in the lineup. If they can get their running game going again, they should be in the playoff hunt.

11. San Diego Chargers

Last year’s breakout team should be a playoff contender again this seasons, although the schedule is a little less friendly and they won’t take anyone by surprise.

12. Jacksonville Jaguars

The shortage at defensive end appears to be solved, and the Jags should present one of the better defenses in the league again. I don’t expect rookie Matt Jones to be a huge factor this year, so second-year receiver Reggie Williams has got to rebound from a disappointing rookie year and QB Byron Leftwich needs to take another step forward this year if they want to compete with the Colts for the division crown.

13. Arizona Cardinals

Here’s another team I feel is poised to jump up from the depths of the NFL to playoff contention. The Cardinals are far from a team without questions, but the offense is potentially explosive if Kurt Warner can distribute the football without getting hurt.

14. New York Giants

Despite a poor showing in ‘04, the Giants still have a lot of pieces inplace, and might be in the best position to challenge the Eagles. Eli Manning showed signs of being ready to take the Giants back to contention with a solid rookie performance.

15. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have brought in some offensive weapons, but Kyle Boller has got to form some consistency. With the Ravens’ running game, Boller just needs to efficiently manage games and let his playmakers make plays. If he doesn’t show marked improvement, the Ravens will have a hard time getting out of a competitive AFC Central.

[Kazkal]

I think it was alrdy posted nonetheless it's most enjoyable

[BengalszoneBilly]

6. Cincinnati Bengals

This is my breakout team of the year and Carson Palmer is my breakout player of the year. The second-year starter picked up a lot of confidence at the end of the ‘04 season, and appears ready to emerge as one of the top young signal-callers in the league. Look for big things in Cincy this year!

Oh yeah. I could put that on "loop" and read it all day long!

15. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have brought in some offensive weapons, but Kyle Boller has got to form some consistency. With the Ravens’ running game, Boller just needs to efficiently manage games and let his playmakers make plays. If he doesn’t show marked improvement, the Ravens will have a hard time getting out of a competitive AFC Central.

Seeing as how they're in the AFC North, it shouldn't be too tough! That's an easy mistake to make though.

[walshfan]

Posted this before but will repost again

Vegas over/under for our division

Ravens 10

Steelers 9.5

Bengals 8

Srowns 4.5

If you dont believe their an 8 then bet on it!!!!