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Cincinnati Bengals
Overall: 59
Title track: 75
Ownership: 57
Coaching: 74
Players: 57
Fan relations: 98
Affordability: 58
Stadium experience: 95
Bang for the buck: 11
Change from last year: +28
The Bengals have steadily gained more respect over the years as they continue to post winning seasons, as seen by a 28-point jump in these standings. These are not the losing Bengals of the '90s anymore; they win, and they win often. But until they can prove they can do it in the postseason too, they'll likely remain in the middle of the franchise rankings.
What's good
Despite five straight playoff berths, the Bengals continue to remain one of the most affordable tickets in the league. Their average ticket price last season was around $71, cheaper than all but eight teams in the NFL. (Added bonus: A $5 beer is the cheapest in the league.) They also hold training camp at their facility, meaning fans in Cincinnati can see them for free in the summer. For a team that has consistently put together winning seasons, it's one of the best value buys a fan could get.
What's bad
Fans say the stadium -- ranked 95th in the Ultimate Standings -- has little character and feels like an "ode to concrete." Although it was built in 2000, it's been quickly passed up with 14 new stadiums built since then (and No. 15, the Falcons' new stadium, on the way) and now feels a little dated in some ways. There's hope for 2017, though: Last year, the Bengals put $20 million in improvements into their stadium, including new HD video screens, and this year added a field-level bar that faces the Bengals' locker room.
What's new
The Bengals' ownership preaches loyalty and consistency -- they've stuck with coach Marvin Lewis for 14 seasons -- and so far that has paid off. The team rarely brings in splashy free agents, instead choosing to build through the draft, selecting future Pro Bowlers A.J. Green, Tyler Eifert, Andy Dalton, Geno Atkins, Vontaze Burfict, Carlos Dunlap and Andrew Whitworth. The Bengals haven't been able to translate that to success in the postseason yet, but they've quietly become one of the league's most consistent and stable franchises. Fans haven't missed that: They gave the Bengals' owners a 38-spot bump this year.
Next: Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Full rankings