11. Cincinnati Bengals (LW: 11)
Thank you, Cincinnati. In beating the Browns on Sunday, you not only maintained your slim division lead, but also held off the madness that would have ensued had the Browns – led by polarizing quarterback Johnny Manziel – made strides in the playoff race. We should all be grateful. On the field, the Bengals continue to perform as one of the AFC’s best teams, removing themselves further from the poor stretch of play that coincided with wide receiver A.J. Green‘s injury. Cincinnati, winners of six of its last eight games, still has a rough pair of games ahead to close out the season – Denver and Pittsburgh – but now is the time of year when great teams emerge.
