The Cincinnati Bengals are 4-0, with impressive wins over the Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. Those wins weren't flukes either; the Bengals are a serious threat in the AFC. They have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL. Here are four reasons why the Bengals are legit Super Bowl contenders.
Good Andy Dalton
Every Bengals' fan knows there is good Andy Dalton and bad Andy Dalton. Good Andy Dalton can throw for 300 yards, four TDs and no picks. Bad Andy Dalton can toss four interceptions and cost the Bengals a win. So far this season, Bad Andy Dalton hasn't shown up. Dalton has been sharp, completing 67 percent of his passes with nine TDs and only 1 INT. With Dalton playing this well, the Bengals have what it takes to make a Super Bowl run.
Healthy Weapons For Dalton
Part of what has made Dalton successful this season is that his weapons have actually been healthy. In last year's playoff game, the Bengals were down to Mohamed Sanu, Ryan Hewitt, Brandon Tate and Rex Burkhead as Dalton's top receiving options. That's not the case this season. TE Tyler Eifert, WR A.J. Green and WR Marvin Jones are back and putting up good numbers. As long as they stay healthy, the Bengals have the weapons to make a deep postseason run.
Strong Ground Game
The Bengals have one of the best 1-2 punches in the NFL in Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill. Bernard is more of a scat back, while Hill is the workhorse. Hill has 50 carries for 163 yards and 5 TDs. Bernard has 54 carries for 297 yards and 1 TD. With Hill and Bernard in the backfield, the Bengals will be able to control the clock and make life easier on Dalton.
Great Defense
The Bengals' defense has been one of the best defenses in the NFL. They are deep at corner and their pass rush has been strong this season. The Bengals sacked Alex Smith five times, bumping their season totals to 11. The Broncos' defense is widely considered one of the best in the NFL, but the Bengals gave up fewer points against the Chiefs than the Broncos did. They've done all of this without stud LB Vontaze Burfict. Defense wins championships and the Bengals have the defense to win a Super Bowl.
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