5 most overrated players in Bengals history feat. T.J. Houshmandzadeh

The Cincinnati Bengals are one of few teams to have never won a Super Bowl ring. The Bengals were established back in 1968, and despite making it to the big game on three occasions, they've never lifted the Lombardi Trophy.

Despite having some legendary players throughout its history, such as Anthony Munoz and Boomer Esiason, there have been plenty of players who helped Cincinnati collect wins but were overrated.

5 most overrated players in Bengals history

#5 - Cris Collinsworth

NFL: Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Chargers

Cris Collinsworth carved out a decent career as a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1981 until 1988. However, despite making three Pro Bowls, being voted All-Pro three times, and making a pair of Super Bowls, it could be argued Collinsworth was overrated.

He only topped 1,000 yards in four of his eight years in the NFL and two of them were only by nine and 24 yards. He's best known for his TV work in the modern day, which may overshadow his playing career.

#4 - Orlando Brown Jr.

Bengals OT Orlando Brown Jr.

A current Bengal who is arguably overrated is LT Orlando Brown Jr. Brown joined the Bengals before the 2023 season after stints with the Ravens and Chiefs, signing a huge four-year, $64m contract.

However, despite the payday, the Bengals' offensive line ranked as the 26th-best in the NFL according to PFF, with Brown grading 66.6 overall. This is way below the likes of Penei Sewell (92.8), Trent Williams (92.6) and Jordan Mailata (84.8). Brown will have to up his game to reach the level of play he displayed at both his previous teams.

#3 - Ickey Woods

Former Bengals RB Ickey Woods

Best known for his iconic celebration, 'The Ickey Shuffle,' former Bengals RB Ickey Woods was overrated for his play on the field. Despite an excellent rookie campaign where he totalled 1,066 yards and 15 touchdowns, Woods would never recreate his first-year form.

During the remainder of his career, he could only manage 459 yards and 12 TDs after battling injuries.

#2 - Joe Mixon

Ex-Bengal Joe Mixon

Despite being a fan favorite of many Bengals fans, Joe Mixon may be slightly overrated.

Even though he helped the Bengals make a Super Bowl where he threw a touchdown pass, Mixon has only rushed for 1,200 yards once in his career. Mixon's career yards per carry is 4.1, posting an average of 3.9 (2022) and 4.0 (2023) for each of the last two years.

His replacement in Cincinnati, Zack Moss - despite little hype compared to Mixon - has a career average yards per carry of 4.3 and averaged 5.1 (2022) and 4.3 (2023) in his last two seasons.

#1 - T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Former Bengals star T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Former Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh is seen as a legend by many fans after forming a dynamic duo with Chad Johnson during much of the 2000s. However, it could easily be argued Houshmandzadeh was overrated due to his career output.

Many compare Houshmandzadeh and Johnson, despite the former only topping 1,000 yards twice during his career versus Johnson's seven. Johnson also had 22 more touchdowns than Houshmandzadeh. Houshmandzadeh and Johnson were an excellent duo, but Johnson was a much better player.