The Bengals got massively disrespected in post-draft NFL power rankings
The Bengals' offseason doesn’t do enough to impress The Athletic.
Jan 4, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) walks to the locker room following a loss against the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images Following the NFL Draft, The Athletic has released a new set of NFL power rankings , with no movement for the Bengals after all of the recent activity, which included bringing in All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. The Athletic had them ranked 23rd overall, saying this about the Bengals and their draft selection of Cashius Howell.
23. Cincinnati Bengals Last ranking : 23 Best rookie season : Cashius Howell , Edge, Texas A&M The second-round pick enters one of the best situations in the league, and, amazingly, it’s on the Bengals defense. Cincinnati rebuilt its defensive front with Dexter Lawrence II, Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen.
Whoever starts at edge opposite Mafe is going to have some clear paths, and it’s going to be either Howell or Myles Murphy. Even more egregious is having the Pittsburgh Steelers ranked 11th overall. Moving them up 3 spots after the offseason.
Excuse my language, but what in the hell have the Steelers done to be a fringe top 10 team in the league, draft Drew Allar in the 3rd round? The Ravens also saw a bump up to 12th overall, from their previous ranking of 15th. I guess Trey Hendrickson is automatically a 10x better run defender than he ever was in Cincinnati because he isn’t wearing stripes anymore.