Ranking the Buffalo Bills among the AFC best ahead of Week 17

5. Cincinnati Bengals (9-6)

The Cincinnati Bengals have been up and down for most of the season but seem to be playing their best football at just the right time. In the past six games, they have gone 4-2, and that has included wins over the Raiders, Steelers, Broncos, and Ravens, four teams that are in playoff contention.

They are led by former first overall pick Joe Burrow, who had an incredible game this past week against the Ravens when he threw for 525 passing yards and four touchdowns to help them win 41-21. This season, Burrow has thrown for over 4,100 passing yards with 30 passing touchdowns.

The challenge for the Bengals is that if they want to make a run in the AFC, the pressure is on Burrow to play at this level. The defense is in the middle of the league in most categories and at times the Bengals quarterback has struggled to protect the football, 14 interceptions, and the offensive line has not protected him as he has a league-high 47 sacks.

Their success seems to hinge on their franchise quarterback and if he can limit the negative plays, it will help the Bengals make a run in the AFC.