This is the NFL’s Most Underrated Team

This is the NFL’s Most Underrated Team

The Bengals could be sitting at 5-2 after this upcoming week, and they have every ingredient of a serious contender. They have an MVP candidate at quarterback, two elite wide receivers, an elite offensive line, and the playoff experience and coaching continuity that so many teams around the league lack. On paper, this is a roster built to win right now.

The biggest change, though, has come on the other side of the ball. The defense was the talking point of the entire offseason, and after the front office brought in Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen to anchor the middle of the line, it’s delivering on that hype. Cincinnati is now tied for the NFL lead in sacks, and with the defense finally holding up its end, this team looks dangerous.

The question now is whether they can take care of business this week and then sustain it. Getting to 5-2 would be a great foundation, but the second half of the season is where contenders separate themselves, and the AFC won’t make anything easy. If the offense keeps humming and the pass rush keeps getting home, though, the Bengals won’t just be in the playoff conversation. They’ll be one of the teams nobody wants to see in January, and a legitimate threat to make a run at the Super Bowl.