2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 11: Packers take top spot, Cowboys rebound

Week 8 and Week 9 were rough for the Cincinnati Bengals. They had moved into first place not only in the AFC North but the entire conference as a whole with a record of 5-4. They were starting to make believers out of everyone but then the bottom dropped out.

First was their 34-31 loss to the New York Jets — yes, the same Jets who were struggling to find any offensive rhythm. And yes, the same Jets who were starting Mike White for the first time in his career.

Rather than score a win over an inferior opponent, the Bengals found themselves suffering a loss which started the legend of Mike White. They had a chance to prove that was just a fluke as they were then facing the Cleveland Browns in Week 9, just after all the offseason drama that led to the Browns releasing Odell Beckham, Jr.

Cincinnati moved the ball right down the field but then Joe Burrow was picked off by Denzel Ward who went 99-yards to the house. They never really rebounded from there and lost 41-16.

Now, they have a whole week to stew over those two losses as they enter their bye in Week 10. Their next opponent is the Las Vegas Raiders and if the Bengals can’t score a road win over them, the doubters will really come out.