Super Bowl or Bust? 3 Things That Will Decide If The Bengals Will Make The Super Bowl

The Cincinnati Bengals are 6-0, with impressive wins over several quality teams. It's been a collective team effort so far, as the all three units have played well. The Bengals look like Super Bowl contenders, and their fans want more than just another one-and-done playoff appearance. Here are three things that will decide if the Bengals will make the Super Bowl. 

3. Health 

Last year, the Bengals were without Marvin Jones, A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert in their playoff game. Those are Andy Dalton's top three targets, and the Bengals didn't have a chance to move the ball on offense. For the Bengals to make a Super Bowl run, they'll need to stay healthy this season. Green, Eifert and Jones are all having great seasons, and they are a big factor in Dalton's success. The Bengals will likely get stud LB Vontaze Burfict back soon, and the Bengals' strong defensive effort looks even better without him. 

2. Continued Strong Defensive Play

The Bengals defense has had a strong start to their season so far, and the unit will need to continue that play. The Bengals have limited opponents to 24 points or less in every game this season. If the defense continues to perform at that level, there is no reason that the Bengals can't make a run at a Super Bowl. 

1. Andy Dalton 

Dalton has taken more than his fair share of heat as Bengals' QB, but he's played great this year. Dalton is completing 67 percent of his passes for over 1,600 yards, 14 TDs and 2 INTs. Dalton seems to be in the midst of a career and breakout season. While many won't trust Dalton until he proves himself in the playoffs, or at least in a night game, Dalton has played well enough to at least silence the critics for the time being. Dalton will ultimately determine just how far the Bengals go in the postseason. If Dalton keeps playing this well, the Bengals will be deadly Super Bowl contenders.