Roster ratings

Can the 2005 Cincinnati Bengals go 20-0?

We rated every player on the 2005 Cincinnati Bengalsagainst their own era and built their best 12-man roster. Here's how strong this squad really was — and whether it could chase a perfect 20-0.

84.4Roster rating /100
#52All-time rank of 861
Strong — a real playoff rosterOur verdict
▶ Play the Bengals yourself

The best 12 — our all-time picks from this squad

One player per slot, chosen by our era-relative rating. This is the lineup that sets the projection above.

Offense

QBCarson Palmer91
RBRudi Johnson86
WRChad Johnson ★AP94
TEMatt Schobel67
WRT.J. Houshmandzadeh82
RBChris Perry74

Defense

EDGEJustin Smith77
DTJohn Thornton75
LBOdell Thurman97
CBDeltha O'Neal ★AP98
SKeiwan Ratliff76
LBBrian Simmons89

How we rate it

Every rating is era-relative: a player is graded against their own era's peers at the same position, with impact plays counting most and an All-Pro boost. The roster rating is the position-weighted strength of the best 12 — premium spots (QB, edge, corner) count for more, and a single weak link drags the average down. Only a near-flawless roster projects to run the table. Full method →

Other rated Bengals seasons

An independent fan project. Player ratings are our own derivation from public statistics. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any professional sports league, team, or player.