The Cincinnati Bengals have found their stride and once again are looking like a true Super Bowl contender.
After a slow start to the year, in which they lost their first two games, the Bengals have caught fire of late.
Cincinnati has won five straight games and is in a great position to clinch another playoff berth in the coming weeks.
But, no one seems to be talking about the reigning AFC champions.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills have been the talk of the conference all year.
While those teams are very good, Cincinnati might be better.
Two weeks ago the Bengals beat the Chiefs in a highly competitive 27-24 game.
Also, in Week 17 they will get a chance to take on the Bills.
One reason people may be underrating the Bengals is that they are second in their division.
Cincinnati is 9-4 on the year, and due to a loss to the Ravens, they are second in the AFC North.
The UPDATED AFC playoff picture. 👀 pic.twitter.com/XKLjTA070y
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 12, 2022
But, this team should be considered one of the favorites to win the AFC.
They have the third-highest point differential in the AFC at +71.
Plus the play of quarterback Joe Burrow has been outstanding of late.
Throwing 10 touchdowns and only three interceptions in his past five games.
Offensive Firepower
Where the Bengals can separate themselves from the rest of the AFC is the ability to win in different ways on offense.
They have a great run game with Joe Mixon, and two elite receiving options in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
"Tee Higgins here shows you why this [@Bengals] offense is darn near unstoppable." – Tony Romopic.twitter.com/Iej2Fa9E0u
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 4, 2022
If Burrow can continue to get the ball to his weapons efficiently they will be hard to stop.
Cincy is averaging 371.7 yards per game and 25.8 points.
The Chiefs and Bengals have the two best offenses in the conference and being able to score quickly is crucial in the playoffs.
Overall, the Bengals remain the most underrated team in the AFC and have a great shot to make another run at the Super Bowl.
