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2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 15: Chiefs explode, Broncos remember a hero

By Randy Gurzi

2021 NFL Power Rankings; The Kansas City Chiefs players on the bench dance during the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
2021 NFL Power Rankings; The Kansas City Chiefs players on the bench dance during the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Power Rankings
2021 NFL power rankings – Cincinnati Bengals rookie receiver Ja’Marr Chase catches Joe Burrow’s touchdown pass in the back of the end zone during the fourth quarter Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. /

56. . . Previous: 12th. Cincinnati Bengals. 14. team

14. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals had a golden opportunity in front of them in Week 14. The Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the Minnesota Vikings and the Baltimore Ravens lost to the Cleveland Browns — which was their second loss in a row.

That meant by the time they took the field for the afternoon games on Sunday, they were a half-game behind the Ravens for first place in the AFC North. A win over the San Francisco 49ers would have knotted things up for them, and they would have been in first since they do own the tiebreaker after beating Baltimore earlier this season.

They then could have really made a mark with a win in Week 16 when they host the Ravens. However, they now find themselves in a tie for second with the Browns, who own the tiebreaker now meaning Cincinnati is in third place. Of course, none of this matters too much now as the standings in Week 18 are what matters.

Still, they fought back from a 20-6 deficit against San Franciso and tied the game up with 1:19 to go. They forced overtime and even took a lead 23-20 in the extra frame. However, the Niners responded with a Brandon Aiyuk touchdown from 12-yards out, knocking the Bengals down a peg.

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