Poll: Is the Bengals’ Week 5 win vs Bills a season-changer?

If the Cincinnati Bengals had fallen to 1-4 into their Week 6 bye, many would be calling for the heads of Marvin Lewis and Andy Dalton. After showing signs of improvement the past two weeks, it was unclear how the Bengals would fare against the 3-1 Bills and their stout defense.

However, Lewis’ squad fought until the final seconds to pull out a 20-16 win to inch to a 2-3 start to the 2017 season. Because of the win, we have to ask if this is a season-changer for Cincinnati.

Here’s the thing: is there a powerhouse in the AFC this year? How about within the division? After the Browns fell to 0-5 on Sunday, seeing the Ravens have had a yo-yo-like season and witnessing the Steelers coming off of a brutal loss to the Jaguars, it seems as if the AFC North can be won with a 9-10-win season.

It also seems that this youthful Bengals team might be starting to figure itself out a bit. While injecting a lot of youth on this 2017 squad, Cincinnati’s staff has also found new and productive niches for veterans, such as Michael Johnson.

Even so, there are obvious issues with Cincinnati that aren’t being figured out. The Bengals aren’t running the ball effectively and have a carousel on the offensive line. And, while the defense has been great, they have troubles forcing turnovers.

Still, the Bengals needed a win in Week 5 to keep any semblance of postseason hope alive, while also gaining much-needed confidence and Lewis’ team answered the bell. Was the 20-16 nail-biting win what the doctor ordered for the Bengals in 2017?