The Cincinnati Bengals managed to get a win on a bye week by becoming the only winless team remaining in the NFL.
Previously winless Miami took down the New York Jets in 26-18 fashion during Week 9, leaving the Bengals alone in first place when it comes to the top pick in the 2020 NFL draft.
The 0-8 Bengals have eight games left but have entered evaluation mode with the switch to rookie Ryan Finley under center. That, paired with the team’s performance so far, has made it clear wins will be hard to come by the rest of the year.
The Bengals do get shots at those Jets and Dolphins, though. Imploding, two-win Cleveland is still on the schedule twice.
If the Bengals do start winning some games, the Dolphins, Jets, Atlanta and Washington all have one win apiece. Two or three wins could mean the difference between picking first and about seventh or eighth.
But for now, the Bengals stand alone as the favorites to hit the podium first at the 2020 NFL draft.
