NFL power rankings: 49ers stay even, Patriots fall entering Week 3
By Peter Panacy
team. 56. . W, 34-23 vs. Ravens. Previous: . Cincinnati Bengals. 22
Like the Dolphins, the Cincinnati Bengals are another team some might see being higher on NFL power rankings three weeks deep into the season, especially after their crucial AFC North victory over the visiting Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football.
The game might have been different had it been played on a regular week’s rest, as the road team is always at a massive disadvantage — which explains why Baltimore is ranked higher than Cincy.
Still, the way Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton played the first half of their 34-23 win over the Ravens was impressive. He had four touchdowns over those two quarters, three of which fell into the hands of wide receiver A.J. Green, who was also awesome during the contest.
Dalton slowed in the second half, and the Bengals defense bent. But it ultimately held and withstood Baltimore’s second-half comeback attempt.
Nicely done, Cincinnati. A win over the Ravens to gain command of the division is vital this point in the year.