The Cincinnati Bengals are off to their best start since 2015, sitting at 6-2 and riding a four-game winning streak, with Joe Burrow leading the charge through an MVP-caliber campaign.

However, former Denver Broncos safety and Super Bowl 50 champion T.J. Ward isn’t convinced Cincinnati has done enough to earn a place among the AFC’s elite just yet.

T.J. Ward Questions Legitimacy of Bengals’ Winning Streak

The Bengals have beaten the Miami Dolphins (31–24), Baltimore Ravens (35–13), Tennessee Titans (43–36 in overtime), and Atlanta Falcons (34–17) during their four-game winning streak.

While those victories have helped Cincinnati build momentum, Ward isn’t impressed with the quality of competition. “When I look at this tear that the Bengals have been on, and how Joe Burrow has now popped back up in MVP candidate discussions, I’m looking at these teams,” Ward said on the “Speakeasy” podcast.

“You got the Miami Dolphins (29th in defense, 66.6 PFN Impact Rating). You got the Baltimore Ravens defense (18th, 72.9 PFN Impact Rating). You got the Tennessee Titans defense (27th, 68.3 PFN Impact Rating). And you got the Atlanta Falcons defense (13th, 76.7 PFN Impact Rating). Come on, bro. You ain’t played nobody worth even bragging about.”

Ward acknowledged that the Bengals have played well, highlighting Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins’ contributions. However, he wasn’t ready to give the team credit for being a legitimate contender.

“Good wins. Good time to get your mojo back… But let’s keep it a buck: these are the bottom of the barrel of anybody that’s stepping on the NFL football field this season,” Ward said. “So I don’t believe the Bengals right now. I’m in disbelief. I don’t believe it. You have to prove it to me against a good team.”

Ward’s comments come as Burrow continues to make a strong case for the MVP award. Through eight games, the quarterback has completed 219 of 296 passes for 2,386 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

His 74% completion rate is also close to Drew Brees’ single-season NFL record of 74.4%. Burrow currently holds a 90.0 PFN Impact Rating, top of the quarterback pile.

Ward Warns Bengals About Upcoming Steelers Test

Ward also questioned Cincinnati’s approach to its rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals are preparing to host their AFC North rivals in a crucial Week 10 matchup, with both teams entering the game at 6–2.

According to Ward, Cincinnati needs to treat Pittsburgh as a bigger threat rather than approaching the matchup like any other regular-season game.

“You’re talking about this is not a bigger rivalry. This is in-division, in your own house,” Ward said.

“They have kicked your [expletive] six times out of nine. And this is not the biggest rivalry? Now, granted, Kansas City has kicked your [expletive] when it counted most. But as far as a bully coming in every day when you gotta go to school, Kansas City don’t kick your [expletive] on holidays. Pittsburgh kicked your [expletive] day in, day out, week in, week out.”

Ward believes the Bengals’ mindset could become a problem against the Steelers and even predicted Cincinnati would lose the game and fall to 6-3.

Sunday night’s matchup carries major stakes, with the Bengals hosting the Steelers for sole possession of first place in the AFC North.