NFL Power Rankings, Week 17: Cowboys inch toward playoffs, Chiefs clinch home field

Over the past two weeks, the Cincinnati Bengals have suddenly looked very competitive. They shocked the Pittsburgh Steelers with a 27-17 win in Week 15 that actually threatened the Steelers’ status as AFC North Champions. Pittsburgh did end up winning this weekend to sell the division, but Cincinnati nearly played spoiler for them.

In Week 16, they again found a way to win as they knocked off the Houston Texans in a 37-31 contest. While the defense struggled with Deshaun Watson — who had 324 yards and three touchdowns — the Bengals offense was playing lights out.

Brandon Allen had his best outing as a pro, completing 29-of-37 passes for 371 yards with two touchdowns and no picks. Rookie wideout Tee Higgins was also playing well, hauling in six passes for 99 yards and a touchdown.

It wasn’t just the passing game either as Samaje Perine finished with 95 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries and Gio Bernard had another 65 yards on 16 rushes. It was a great game for them, but it wasn’t their only positive news from the weekend.

Cincinnati was also encouraged to see rookie quarterback Joe Burrow up and walking as he’s recovering from a serious knee injury that ended his first campaign in the NFL. Burrow gives the Bengals a bright future, and if they can figure out how to win before he returns, that will only help as he tries to turn this team around.