NFL power rankings: Post-preseason 32-team breakdown before Week 1

NFL power rankings: 32-team post-preseason breakdown ahead of Week 1

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterbacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons and Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles meet after their game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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ORCHARD PARK, NY – AUGUST 26: Head coach Marvin Lewis of the Cincinnati Bengals watches game action during the first half of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on August 26, 2018 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

team. 56. . . Previous: . Cincinnati Bengals. 30

The Bengals drop a couple of spots in our NFL power rankings heading into Week 1, but that has more to do with what some of the other bottom-dwelling teams have done this preseason than anything else.

On a positive note, the Bengals made relatively easy work of the Bills in Week 3 of the preseason. That defense looks pretty sharp, which will be a main focus for head coach Marvin Lewis. And it was refreshing to hear, during the game’s broadcast, how many felt Lewis was energized entering this season amid a number of supporting staff changes.

We need to see the results, though, before Cincinnati makes any sort of serious climb up the ranks. And the team will need veteran left tackle Cordy Glenn to stay healthy this year too, especially after a minor shoulder injury already suffered this preseason.

Who knows? Maybe quarterback Andy Dalton puts the past few years of disappointment in the rear-view mirror and winds up being somewhat competent this season.

Maybe.