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The Cincinnati Bengals recorded their first win of the season by defeating the Browns 31-7 in Cleveland. It also looks like the Bengals are receiving a little bit of respect from the national media after the victory. After many media outlets ranked the Bengals either near or at the bottom of the league last week, the Bengals are clawing their way out of the bottom of the barrel.
The team is still ranked pretty low, but there are signs that another win could put them near the middle of the pack. That would be nice to see, considering the start of the season.
Here are the power rankings for Week 5:
Cincinnati's three-loss start can't be blamed on its defense. The Bengals have allowed 16.8 points per game through four weeks, the third best in the NFL. The problem is the offense has scored a paltry 16.0 points per game.
The Bengals have their first win — over the Browns. Now they’ll try to get their first win over a legitimate NFL team against the Bills on Sunday in Cincinnati.
Look, the Cincinnati Bengals are the most talented 1-3 team in football...
Unfortunately, the Bengals don't get to pick on the Browns every week. We now need to see them put together a full four quarters versus a quality opponent.
Joe Mixon had 29 yards on 17 carries against a Browns defense that was missing three key pieces in the front seven. Everything else on Sunday was positive, and you have to believe Mixon will get it going. He’s too talented not to.
It's too bad they can't play the Browns every week. Andy Dalton has looked much better with Bill Lazor calling plays.
Nick Vigil, Tyler Kroft and Clayton Fejedelem ... the hallowed names of football lore that ousted the mighty Browns of Cleveland, lifting the Bengals to their first victory of the campaign. That is an early glimpse into NFL Films' 2017 yearbook. Cincinnati dominated, although on the first drive, Bengals fans must've hollered Come on!!! when Andy Dalton was stripped on Cincy's first possession. Everyone and anyone turned the mojo around. Vigil made 12 tackles and had a sack. Kroft caught two touchdown passes. Fejedelem intercepted Deshone Kizer in Bengals territory. Hey, 1-3. #Whodey
Bengals Power Ranking Roundup
| Site | This Week | Last Week | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site | This Week | Last Week | Difference |
| ESPN | 23 | 25 | 2+ |
| CBS | 24 | 30 | 6+ |
| NFL.com | 26 | 30 | 4+ |
| SB Nation | 21 | 29 | 8+ |
| Yahoo | 24 | 30 | 6+ |
| Washington Post | 25 | 30 | 5+ |
| Bleacher Report | 26 | 30 | 4+ |
| Average | 24.14285714 | 29.14285714 | 5+ |