Good news, the Cincinnati Bengals have passed the vibe check.
The Bengals enter the 2026 season, which begins on Sept. 9, with plenty of positive momentum, according to USA TODAY's latest NFL "vibe check" rankings. Out of the 32 NFL teams featured on the list, theCincinnati Bengalscame in at No. 7, behind the Dallas Cowboys at No. 6 and ahead of the Denver Broncos at No. 8.
The New York Giants ranked No. 1 overall, and the Indianapolis Colts ranked last at No. 32.
NFL trending news reporter Nick Brinkerhoff writes that as long as quarterback Joe Burrow remains with the Bengals, it will be hard for the team to "drop too far in terms of vibes." Brinkerhoff also pointed to Cincinnati's acquisition of three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrencefrom
the Giants on April 19 as a move that improved the team's outlook.
"Cincinnati feels like it is capable of winning every game he [Joe Burrow] starts. Now the Bengals decided to invest in a defense to assist in those winning efforts. It seems safe to say that Dexter "Sexy Dexy" Lawrence might be a vibes guy," Brinkerhoff said.
To determine its findings, USA TODAY evaluated each NFL team based on free agency, draft class, coaching staff and overall roster.
To see the full list, visit usatoday.com.
USA TODAY NFL vibe check: Top 10 teams for the 2026 season
- New York Giants.
- Las Vegas Raiders.
- Los Angeles Rams.
- Seattle Seahawks.
- New York Jets.
- Dallas Cowboys.
- Cincinnati Bengals.
- Denver Broncos.
- Buffalo Bills.
- Tennessee Titans.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bengals crack Top 10 in USA TODAY's NFL vibe check rankings
