NFL

2017 NFL Power Rankings: Preseason Edition

Brandon Gdula  —  @gdula13 Jul 20th, 2017
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15. Cincinnati Bengals, 0.51 nERD

Cincinnati couldn't build on a 6th-place nERD finish (6.61) in 2015 and dropped to 14th in the league last year (1.34). Still, at 6-9-1, they underachieved, according to nERD and point differential (+10).

Despite just 10 games from A.J. Green and 8 from Tyler Eifert, the Bengals mustered a 16th-place finish in Adjusted Passing NEP per play (after finishing 2nd in 2015). Andy Dalton looks primed to improve upon his 2016 performance, and running back Joe Mixon joins last year's 10th-ranked rushing unit.

Defensively, the Bengals had their worst showing since 2010 but still finished 15th overall by our metrics.

There's a lot to like about this team, even before you factor in the 27th-ranked schedule.

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