PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS

NO. 11

CINCINNATI BENGALS

We predicted last year that the Bengals wouldn't qualify for the playoffs.  We were criticized relentlessly by Bengals fans.  But when the team didn't make it to the postseason, we didn't hear from any of those folks.

This year, we regard the Bengals as a playoff-caliber team, primarily because quarterback Carson Palmer is a full year removed from his devastating knee injury.  The rest of the offense is still very strong, fueled by running back Rudi Johnson and receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

The defense needs a lot of work, but really doesn't need to improve all that much to allow the Bengals to put together a legitimate playoff run. 

And even though we've got the Bengals at No. 11, we see them as one of the few teams that can get hot and surprise some of the elite AFC teams in January.

Key departures:  OL Eric Steinbach, CB Tory James, S Kevin Kaesviharn, LB Brian Simmons, DT Shaun Smith, DT Sam Adams.

Key arrivals:  DT Kendrick Allen, LB Edgerton Hatwell, DT Michael Myers.

Draft pick most likely to make an impact:  CB Leon Hall.

Coach's current job security:  Possibly one year, if the team misses the playoffs.