Bengals soar to top AFC spot in NFL analyst’s post-NFL Draft power rankings

Dec 28, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrates following his touchdown pass to wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bengals added solid players in free agency, but it still felt like there was a hole or two on the defense.

Then they filled that hole with Dexter Lawrence.

After that, they added some spunk to the pass rush by drafting Cashius Howell in the second round. For those reasons and more, Chase Senior of Chat Sports has the Bengals as the best team in the AFC in his post-Draft rankings.

NFL power rankings after NFL Free Agency and the NFL Draft. #NFLpic.twitter.com/OwUEMkarov

- Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) April 30, 2026

When asked why, he responded with:

When Joe Burrow is healthy, might be the second best QB in the NFL. Chase and Higgins are an elite WR duo.. Major improvements on defense: trading for Dexter Lawrence, signed Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, Kyle Dugger, drafted Cassius [sic] Howell and Tacario Davis. Last year with Burrow missing a ton of time, they were still 12th in PPG, 3rd in red zone scoring. Achilles heel has been their defense which I think is much better

Hard to argue with that.

While we've seen other analysts and even oddsmakers recently show doubt in the Bengals' chances of being a contender next season, we all know this team has the potential for a special season, so it's good to see someone else believes in this team's potential.

We recapped the Draft and the Lawrence trade in our most recent show.