Niner Noise
FanSided

The top question facing each NFL team entering 2017

By Peter Panacy

FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 31: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts before a preseason game with the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 31: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts before a preseason game with the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals (left) talks with head coach Marvin Lewis (right) during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 22, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals (left) talks with head coach Marvin Lewis (right) during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 22, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Cincinnati Bengals

Can the Bengals prove 2016 was a mere anomaly?

The Cincinnati Bengals are going to be an intriguing team in 2017.

On one hand, they have the talent to suggest a playoff contender. And adding running back Joe Mixon only adds to what looks like a deep offensive core.

Remember, though, this was a team that finished with the league’s 24th-best scoring offense (325 points), boasting a sizable chunk of the same skill players heading into this season.

There are question marks along the offensive line too. And linebacker Vontaze Burfict’s pending five-game suspension looms large for the other side of the ball.

Cincinnati is going to go one of two vastly different ways this season, which could spell the future for head coach Marvin Lewis.