AFC North Power Rankings following Week 12: The Bengals may have to adjust to playing in the cellar
The NFL season’s Week 12 results put the AFC North in a similar situation as they did last week. The Cincinnati Bengals are trying to figure out how to stay in the game and somehow qualify for the postseason. With injuries to
their quarterbacks and a defense that seems to be marginally superior, the Browns and Steelers are still neck and neck. Then there is Baltimore, which continues to lead both the conference and the divisio
The AFC North Power Rankings still have the Cincinnati Bengals in the bottom half. With the playoffs approaching, the glimmer of hope is growing dimmer and smaller.
It is simple to focus on Cincinnati’s offense when talking about the Bengals’ shortcomings, particularly with Joe Burrow out for the season. On Sunday, they were only able to muster 10 points against the Steelers. With the firepower Cincinnati is supposed to possess, even without Burrow, 222 total yards and 10 points are about average.
However, the defense is also struggling. Lou Anarumo’s unit now ranks last in the NFL in net yards per play allowed. Their expected points added from their defense (-62.17) rank 28th. The other teams from the division are in the top 10. The Ravens and Browns rank first and second, respectively.
In addition to giving up just 16 points, the defense continues to lead the league in explosive plays allowed and gave up the most yards to a Steelers team in 58 regular-season games.
Now, the Bengals have dropped their last three games. When they play the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night, they will attempt to salvage their dwindling chances of making the playoffs.
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