Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: Playoff picture taking shape heading into Week 17

By Peter Panacy

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: The Atlanta Falcons play the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: The Atlanta Falcons play the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 24: Giovani Bernard #25 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates with Eric Winston #73 after a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 24: Giovani Bernard #25 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates with Eric Winston #73 after a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

56. . W, 26-17 vs. Lions. Previous: . Cincinnati Bengals. 22. team

When in doubt, the Cincinnati Bengals should simply put their offense in the hands of running back Giovani Bernard and wide receiver A.J. Green.

Bernard rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown, while Green was almost as impressive with 81 yards of his own on eight receptions. Sure, quarterback Andy Dalton wasn’t great despite being asked to pass 41 times. But the Bengals got enough offense to upset the Detroit Lions and end their chances of making the postseason.

The Bengals are one of those teams with plenty of talent, capable of knocking off playoff-hopeful squads like the Lions.

Cincinnati just lacks chemistry and direction, and who knows what happens there with head coach Marvin Lewis’ future uncertain.