Where the Bengals sit in power rankings entering Week 5

Current rank: 21

Last week’s rank: 21

What Eric Edholm had to say: “Losing to Andy Dalton and the Panthers wasn’t an option if the Bengals wanted to play meaningful football this season. The defense got off to a good start with a fourth-and-goal stop on the opening drive and an interception on the second. But Cincinnati ended up in a four-quarter fight, allowing too many Carolina conversions, keeping it a close game until a late field goal salted it away. The offense shares some of the blame, too, with its second-half miscues. But Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase found their mojo again, and Chase Brown broke out for his best all-around game as a pro. Also a special hat tip to rookie TE Erick All Jr., who looks like a fourth-round steal. He had four catches on four targets, converted two second-half first downs and made his presence felt as a blocker. The Bengals remain behind the sticks this season, so to speak, but Sunday kept their dim hopes alive.”