3 reasons the Cincinnati Bengals can win the Super Bowl

It's time

The numbers are well known to every Bengals fan. Cincinnati hasn't won a playoff game since the 1990 season. The last appearance in a conference championship game was 27 years ago, marking the NFL's longest active streak. The Bengals also have lost four straight first-round games, which is the highest total in league history. But even with major question marks at quarterback (see below), Cincinnati has the tools to leave such failure in the past behind an extremely deep roster peppered with veteran players focused on ending the drought.

Skill-position standouts

Even with quarterback Andy Dalton's status for the playoffs uncertain as he recovers from a broken thumb, replacement A.J. McCarron is surrounded by a great supporting cast. The wide receiver crew is led by A.J. Green, a great all-around talent and true difference-maker in the deep passing game. Tyler Eifert led all NFL tight ends with 13 touchdown catches despite missing three games with injuries. And an inconsistent rushing attack may be back on the upswing with two straight 100-yard games.

Outstanding scoring defense

The Bengals finished No. 11 in fewest yards allowed this season, but the unit can point to an even more impressive accomplishment. No defense in Bengals history has surrendered fewer points in a 16-game season than the 279 allowed by Cincinnati this season. That total was second-best in the league behind Seattle at 277 points.