The Cincinnati Bengals did the one thing everyone agrees they must do: Start fast.
Said fast start included a 33-27 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1. That box score is a bit of a lie, too, because the Bengals effectively dominated most of the game, only for one Joe Burrow mistake to gift the Bucs a score.
So, a solid offensive showing and a competent defense that only surrendered 20 points and forced four turnovers.
That means a big jump in the power rankings for the Bengals, right?
Well, it’s complicated.
Bengals power rankings roundup
USA Today
At USA Today, Nate Davis bumps the Bengals up one spot to No. 9, writing that “Sunday's defensive effort should sow hope for the Stripes amid their modest offensive debut.”
Sports Illustrated
Over at Sports Illustrated, Conor Orr puts the Bengals 13th overall:
“Lawrence was one of the best defensive tackles in true pass rush sets throughout the entire weekend. A major upgrade for Cincinnati.”
ESPN
And at ESPN, it’s another one-spot jump up to No .15 for the Bengals. The writeup notes that Boye Mafe led all Bengals linemen with 37 snaps, matching rookie edge rusher Cashius Howell with four pressures to go with his sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery.
Yahoo Sports
No top 10 for the Bengals just yet at Yahoo Sports, either. Frank Schwab has them at No. 12.
“Turnovers aren't guaranteed to carry over week to week but the Bengals forced four, including one that was returned for a touchdown,” Schwab wrote. “Cincinnati isn't going to be great on defense, but there have been some good teams to live off having a great offense and a defense that takes chances and makes a few game-changing plays. Maybe the Bengals can be that type of defense. That would be enough.”
The Athletic
It’s a two-spot jump up to No. 14 for the Bengals at The Athletic, with Chad Graff and Josh Kendall also happy to see Burrow get a defense that can help him out: “The bar might have been on the floor for that side of the ball after last season, but the new-look Cincinnati defense came to play against Tampa Bay, forcing four turnovers and notching four sacks. It was an especially impressive win considering Ja’Marr Chase caught only two passes for 12 yards.”
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals’ fast start should show up in power rankings…right?
