Week 1 - Bengals Power Ranking Roundup

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The weekly Power Ranking Roundup - High (16), Low (30).

NFL.com

Quote:Rank
30
Cincinnati Bengals
Previous rank: No. 30
Per The Athletic: Projected offensive line starters played only 64 percent of Bengals' snaps in 2020. In 2019, the number was 59 percent. Attrition is part of life in the NFL, but Cincinnati hasn't done enough to build out depth at the position. This season features a line made up of veterans -- all but third-year pro Jonah Williams has at least 58 starts -- but the reserves have little to no pro experience. History tells us several of these backups will get the call in 2021; will they be able to protect Joe Burrow in a way the 2020 unit could not?

WashingtonPost

Quote:27. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1)
Second-year QB Joe Burrow returns from the knee injury that cut short his rookie season, but there are issues. Can the offensive line keep Burrow safe and productive? And can rookie WR Ja’Marr Chase, chosen with the fifth pick in the draft as the Bengals opted against using that selection to fortify the offensive line, thrive after a shaky preseason?

USATODAY

Quote:28. Bengals (27): QB Joe Burrow's only pass of preseason was dropped by former LSU teammate Ja'Marr Chase, so you'd assume things will only improve moving forward ... though we are talking about Cincinnati.

CBSSPORTS

Quote:29
BENGALS Joe Burrow is coming off a major knee injury, which is why there is concern about his play. He has looked off in camp. In time, I think he'll get back to playing at a high level. They just might be a year away from competing in the division.

Bleacherreport.com

Quote:25-Week 1: vs. Minnesota
There is cause for at least some optimism in the Queen City as the Bengals prepare to open the 2021 season against the Minnesota Vikings.
Quarterback Joe Burrow is back from the ACL tear that cut his rookie year short. The addition of wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase gives the Bengals an impressive array of skill-position talent, at least on paper. And they took significant steps to bolster their leaky offensive line in both free agency and the 2021 draft.
However, that line remains an area of concern. So does a defense that surrendered the seventh-most yards in the league last year. Cincy also has the misfortune of playing in a loaded AFC North that put three teams in the playoffs last season.
Are the Bengals better? Quite possibly.
Are they good enough to contend for a playoff berth? Not yet.

SI.com

Quote:29. Cincinnati Bengals
Points in poll: 34
Highest-place vote: 26 (1)
Lowest-place vote: 30 (4)
Postdraft rank: 30
Week 1: vs. Vikings
How Joe Burrow looks coming off last season’s injury will be more important than wins and losses this year.

Sportingnews

Quote:16. Cincinnati Bengals (24)
The Bengals are a polarizing young team in terms of how good outsiders think they can be in Year 2 of Joe Burrow, considering he's coming off a major knee injury. Here's believing in Burrow's talent, toughness and leadership to push a high-volume passing offense into hanging well with the stronger members of the AFC North. The defense also got some needed upgrades for complementary support.

Profootballtalk.com

Quote:29. Bengals: Joe Burrow continues to be the bright spot on an overmatched roster. It all remains a work in progress, especially as he returns from a torn ACL.