Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones has said that if his teammates continue to play hard and smart football, then they will show their potential as one of the league's leading sides.

Jones was speaking after the Bengals protected their two-game lead in the AFC North Division by beating San Diego Chargers 17-10 on Sunday.

"That's the main thing. We're not playing just to make the playoffs," Jones told reporters after the game.

"We're playing for the bye. We played hard and physical on defense. If we keep playing hard and smart and we're going to be a real, real good team."

The victory ensures that the Bengals remain top of the AFC Northern Division with a record of 8-4.