NFL Power Rankings Week 13: Broncos nosedive, Commanders streaking
By Randy Gurzi
. Previous: 11th. Cincinnati Bengals. 8. team. 56.
8. Cincinnati Bengals
The 0-2 start feels like a lifetime ago as the Cincinnati Bengals are now 7-2 since that time. Now, they’ve reeled off three wins in a row but this one was their most impressive of the year since it was against one of the better teams in the AFC.
It was a rematch of the Divisional Round of the 2021 playoffs as the Bengals went into Nashville and won against the Tennessee Titans. A late touchdown from Joe Burrow to Tee Higgins gave them a 20-13 lead. Tennessee hit a field goal with just over six minutes to play but Cincy was able to run the clock out and improve to 7-4.
They’re now tied with the Ravens for first place in the AFC North and could be playing for the crown when they meet again in Week 18.
. . Previous: 10th. San Francisco 49ers. 7. team. 42
7. San Francisco 49ers
It’s not usually pretty but the San Francisco 49ers just keep finding ways to win. This weekend, they shut out the New Orleans Saints in a 13-0 win and improved to 7-4. With the Seattle Seahawks losing to the Raiders, that means they’re now in first place in the NFC West and will be the favorites to be atop the mountain when the regular season ends.
They will have a tough — but incredibly interesting — game next weekend against the Miami Dolphins who are led by former offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Miami has been sensational but perhaps Kyle Shanahan will know how to slow his former assistant down.
Of course, the main concern will be when they play Seattle on Dec. 15. That could be what ends up deciding the division since the Niners could sweep them with a win.