# Bengals defense finally arrives

> Cincinnati's revamped defense transforms Joe Burrow's team into a Super Bowl contender after two dominant weeks.
- Title: Bengals defense finally arrives · CBS Sports | Shortify
- Summary: Cincinnati's revamped defense transforms Joe Burrow's team into a Super Bowl contender after two dominant weeks. The Bengals traded a first-round pick for…
- Keywords: cincinnati bengals, joe burrow, defense improvement, dexter lawrence, nfl week 3, power rankings, afc north, super bowl contender, houston texans, zac taylor, sports, Bengals
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nfl/news/priscos-nfl-week-3-power-rankings-bengals
- Published: 2026-09-22T11:53:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: cincinnati bengals, joe burrow, defense improvement, dexter lawrence, nfl week 3, power rankings, afc north, super bowl contender, houston texans, zac taylor, sports
## Bengals finally have the defense
Cincinnati beat Houston 20-6 on the road Sunday, holding the Texans without a touchdown. The dominant defensive front recorded four sacks and controlled the game from start to finish.

> If he only had a defense. He does now.
## Dexter Lawrence makes immediate impact
The Bengals traded a first-round pick for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, who made a crucial fourth-down stop against Montgomery at the goal line. The investment is already paying dividends.
## Defensive front gets reinforcements
Cincinnati added defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and pass rusher Boye Mafe to complement Lawrence. Young players like Shemar Stewart and Cedric Johnson add depth and edge pressure.
## Defense ranks among NFL's best
The Bengals defense is allowing 16.5 points per game, tied for eighth in the league. They're also tied for first in sacks with eight through two weeks.
## Super Bowl contender if defense holds
If Cincinnati can maintain a top-15 defense, they have a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl run. Joe Burrow hasn't even gotten his passing game fully going yet.
## Bengals jump to fourth in rankings
Cincinnati moves up to fourth in the power rankings after going 2-0. They're the only undefeated team in the AFC North heading into a division matchup at Pittsburgh.
## Seahawks stay atop rankings
Seattle remains number one after beating Arizona with backup quarterback Drew Lock playing well. The Bills are right behind them with Josh Allen off to an MVP-caliber start.
## Contenders stumble early
Houston, Los Angeles Chargers, and Tampa Bay are all 0-2 and facing critical weeks ahead. Falling to 0-3 could end their playoff hopes before midseason.
## Raiders surprise with 2-0 start
Las Vegas jumps 12 spots to number 16 after beating the Chargers. The defense impressed in the victory, making them one of the early surprises of the season.
## Dolphins face uphill battle
Miami stays at number 32 after losing to San Francisco. They play their home opener this week but face the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.
## Chiefs offense finally clicks
Kansas City is 2-0 with Patrick Mahomes looking like his dominant self again after the passing game came alive against Indianapolis. They're ranked fifth in the power rankings.
## 49ers stars deliver again
San Francisco ranks third at 2-0 with their star players continuing to show up. Kyle Shanahan's coaching combined with elite talent makes them a serious playoff contender.
## Key takeaway

The Bengals traded a first-round pick for Dexter Lawrence and added key defensive pieces that are already paying off, ranking eighth in points allowed and tied for first in sacks.