Bengals Continue Freefall in Latest ESPN NFL Power Rankings

After a 5-2 start to the 2021 NFL season, Cincinnati Bengals fans were filled with a lot of hope and optimism. Fast forward a bit and the Bengals are 2-4 in their last six games and their recent skid is being reflected in the latest ESPN NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN has Cincinnati continuing its freefall in the latest rankings tumbling from the No. 11 spot to No. 14.

Bengals Power Ranking

One of the reason's why ESPN has moved the Bengals down three spots is because of the offensive line's inability to protect Joe Burrow.

Burrow was sacked 3.2 times per game last year and it was, ultimately, a quarterback hit that led to his season-ending injury. Management said that he'd be better protected this year, however, that clearly isn't true considering he's been sacked an NFL-worst 41 times in 2021 — 3.15 times per game.

The former first overall pick has been sacked 11 times in his last two games, which shows just how much pressure he's been under. Cincinnati has been outscored 67-45 during that span, with both games resulting in a loss.

If the Bengals want to turn their season around, it's simple: the o-line needs to be better. Two of Cincinnati's final four games are against AFC North rivals in the form of the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens, with a third game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Needless to say, things need to change to pick up a couple of wins down the stretch.

FanDuel Sportsbook is currently projecting the Bengals to miss out on the 2021 postseason at -205 odds.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook today and get your first bet risk free for up to $1,000!

Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. The views expressed in his articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.