Through four weeks of the NFL season, the Bengals sit at 3-1. With only one undefeated team in the NFL, the 4-0 Arizona Cardinals, the Bengals' record cannot be argued.
Cincinnati is among a group of 12 teams in the league with just one loss this season. And yet, the Bengals remain behind some two-loss teams in a look at power rankings online.
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What gives? Joe Burrow has clearly made a step in his sophomore season in the NFL. His completion percentage this season has jumped more than seven percent and his average yards per throw are up from 6.7 in 2020 to 9.2 in 2021. The defense is ranked in the top 10 in points per game allowed.
It's apparent, according to NFL power rankings at least, that the Bengals are not getting the type of respect other one-loss teams are.
USA Today, Nate Davis
Bengals ranking: No. 14 | Link
The Bengals may be in first place in the AFC North, but in Davis' rankings he has them behind the Ravens (No. 6) and Browns (No. 4).
"Looks who's atop the AFC North. They might even stay there for a minute if QB Joe Burrow continues to blossom in the aftermath of his 2020 knee injury."
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ESPN, Ben Baby
Bengals ranking: No. 16 | Link
What has been a key for the Bengals? An improved defense that Baby puts in the spotlight in his writeup this week. "The Bengals have struggled to field a quality defense in coordinator Lou Anarumo's first two seasons. However, this year the Bengals are among the best in the NFL through the first four games."
NFL.com, Dan Hanzus
Bengals ranking: No. 15 | Link
The Bengals leapt four spots in Hanzus' rankings this week, making them one of the bigger positive movers of the week. Cincinnati is at 3-1 thanks in large part to the development of quarterback Joe Burrow and his teammates keeping him upright. Hanzus writes: "Cincinnati has allowed just one sack in the past two weeks after surrendering 10 in the season's first two games. If the Bengals keep their young star upright, something special could be brewing in the Queen City."
Yahoo! Sports, Barry Werner
Bengals ranking: No. 15 | Link
Werner likes the Bengals, but not as much as he likes the rival Cleveland Browns, apparently. This week he moved the Browns all the way up to No. 2. Whew. Anyway, with the Bengals, Werner credits them for coming back on Thursday to win. "The Bengals defeated the Jaguars after falling behind at home. The comeback was good to see as it shows a spark that hasn’t existed. Falling behind by that much against Jacksonville, however, is a problem."
CBS Sports, Pete Prisco
Bengals ranking: No. 13 | Link
Are the Bengals legitimate? Despite being 3-1, that's what Prisco wonders. "They are improved, but we will know how much improved this week against the Packers at home."
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