NFL power rankings after the divisional round and before the conference championships.

1. Bengals: Cincinnati knocked off last week’s top dog, so the Bengals jumped San Francisco and replaced the Bills. Will they rise to the occasion in KC? We say yes.

2. 49ers: Dallas made Brock Purdy look like the rookie he is at times, then made too many miscues to pull off the upset. Perhaps Philadelphia picked up some tips.

3. Eagles: The Giants weren’t the best measuring stick, but it was impressive enough to jump the Chiefs and pull Philadelphia within seconds of second.

4. Chiefs: Kansas City stays in fourth, but it’s not disrespect as much as concern about Patrick Mahomes. He’ll need to be mobile against Cincy.

ELIMINATED

5. Bills: Last year, our preseason pick won it all. Buffalo could not repeat that feat for us this season.

6. Cowboys: Time management was a glaring factor again in Dallas’ elimination, but mistakes and a couple of lazy plays were prominent as well. This might be their ceiling.

7. Jaguars: Jacksonville has plenty of good things to build on for next year. What a difference a competent coach made.

8. Giants: Quickly showed that they were not in the same class as Philadelphia, but who really thought they were?