MY NEW 2018 NFL POWER RANKINGS

SAINTS, CHIEFS TOP CONFERENCES

After 17 weeks of action, the 2018 NFL playoffs are set. So which teams head into the postseason at or near the top of the Power Rankings? Let’s find out.

32: ARIZONA CARDINALS 3-13

Last week: L, 27-24 at SEA
Last rank: 32nd

Recap: Steve Wilks’ club made its way to the Pacific Northwest owners of the NFL’s worst record after 16 Weeks of play.  But it was certainly worth mentioning that the Cardinals had won three straight at Seattle as they took on the playoff-bound Seahawks. The feisty Cards gave Pete Carroll’s playoff-bound team all they could handle despite gaining a paltry 198 total yards by game’s end. Rookie quarterback Josh Rosen threw for only 149 yards, including a 15-yard TD to Larry Fitzgerald, but was sacked six times and lost two fumbles. The Arizona special teams did their best to keep Wilks’ team in the game. But the Cardinals wound up in the basement of the NFC West.

Draft Talk: A team that struggled to move the football and stop the run obviously has some big-time needs in the trenches. Rosen could lots more help in terms of the skill positions, especially at wide receiver as well as some depth behind David Johnson. This was easily the worst offense in the NFL in 2018.

Offseason Priorities: The Cardinals finished the season with only three victories, the franchise’s worst showing since going 3-13 in 2000. So will this be Wilks’ only season at the controls? And will ageless wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald return for 16th NFL campaign? It could be the end of an era in the desert.

31: NEW YORK JETS 4-12

Last week: L, 38-3 at NE
Last rank: 29th

Recap: No doubt Todd Bowles’ team was still smarting from last Week’s 44-38 overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers in which the Jets owned a 35-20 lead.  Now the team made its way to Foxborough to take on the AFC East champion Patriots. The Green and White fell behind early and never caught up as the club was down 21-3 by intermission and never really challenged the reigning AFC East champions. Sam Darnold threw for only 167 yards and was sacked four times. And the rookie quarterback had one of the team’s three lost fumbles; his miscue returned 46 yards for a touchdown by Patriots’ linebacker Kyle Van Noy.

Draft Talk: Could the Jets be thinking wide receiver early in April’s draft? Pro Football Weekly’s Eric Edholm reported last Friday that the team had agreed to a four-year contract extension with wide receiver Quincy Enunwa. The team doesn’t have a second-round pick but does have a pair of selections in the third round.

Offseason Priorities: The team announced on Sunday night that it did indeed part ways with head coach Todd Bowles. It’s been a disappointing three-year run for the 2014 NFL Assistant Coach of the Year while with the Cardinals. Since finishing 10-6 in 2015, the Jets lost at least 11 games each of these past three seasons.

30: OAKLAND RAIDERS 4-12

Last week: L, 35-3 at KC
Last rank: 31st

Recap: The Silver and Black headed east to Arrowhead Stadium looking to snap a five-game road losing streak in this longtime rivalry. Back in Week 13 at Oakland, Andy Reid’s team handed the Raiders a 40-33 loss. Running back Doug Martin ran for 100 yards on 21 carries but also had one of the club’s four turnovers. Quarterback Derek Carr threw for only 185 yards, was sacked three times, fumbled twice (1 lost) and threw a pair of interceptions – one of those returned for a first-quarter touchdown. Meanwhile, the Raiders’ defense gave up touchdown passes of 67 and 89 yards – not surprising considering they failed to record a sack in the game.

Draft Talk: The Raiders not only have three first-round picks in April – thanks to trades with the Chicago Bears (outside linebacker Khalil Mack) and the Dallas Cowboys (wide receiver Amari Cooper), the club also has an extra fifth-round selection after dealing Ryan Switzer to the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s going to be a busy April.

Offseason Priorities: Will there be a new general manager in place? Where will the team play in 2019? In terms of free agency, will the Raiders retain any of their 23 potential unrestricted free agents? Regardless, the Oakland defense has been a liability for too many years and yes, the team is in desperate need of a consistent pass rush.

29: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 5-11

Last week: L, 20-3 at HOU
Last rank: 28th

Recap: Quarterback Blake Bortles was back at the helm for the Jaguars as they made their way to Houston to take on a Texans’ team that had defeated them in Jacksonville (20-7) back in Week 7. And despite the fact that the Jaguars’ pass rush dumped Texans’ quarterback Deshaun Watson six times, the club allowed Houston to control the football for 35:07 and watched Watson throw for 234 yards and run for another 66. The Jacksonville ground game managed a paltry 30 yards, part of an offensive attack that totaled a mere 119 yards on 47 plays. And Bortles was sacked three times and picked off once in a somewhat-fitting end to he and the club’s forgettable season.

Draft Talk: The team has pretty well in the draft when it comes to the defensive side of the football in recent years. But the franchise may want to use their first-round pick in April on a quarterback, just as was the case in 2014 when the Jaguars used the third overall pick on Bortles.

Offseason Priorities: Via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jaguars’ owner Shad Kahn made it clear that Marrone and general manager David Caldwell will be back in 2019. In terms of free agency, right guard A.J. Cann may be a player the team will try and retain. And one-time Colts’ wide receiver Donte Moncrief could be asked back as well.

28: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 4-12

Last week: L, 48-32 at LAR
Last rank: 26th

Recap: Last season in Week 17, Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers went to the L.A. Coliseum and blasted a Rams’ team that sat many of its starters in preparation for the NFC Wild Card Playoffs. And the Niners never knew what hit them early on as turnover set up Los Angeles’ first two touchdowns. Quarterback Nick Mullens finished the game with 282 yards through the air and did throw for three scores. But he was also picked off three times, one returned for a touchdown. Tight end George Kittle caught nine passes for 149 yards in the 16-point loss. But keep in mind that Shanahan’s squad was down 38-10 early in the third quarter.

Draft Talk: General manager John Lynch hit a home run in the first round last April by grabbing Mike McGlinchey. And the club has some talent on defense, with interior presence DeForest Buckner easily leading the team in sacks. Rookie Fred Warner is the club’s top tackler but the 49ers could use more help at linebacker.

Offseason Priorities: Making sure quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is healthy in time for training camp should be tops on the Niners’ list. The club has a decision to make on 2014 first-round defensive back Jimmie Ward, a potential free agent who has struggled to stay healthy. Is veteran kicker Robbie Gould in the team’s 2019 plans?

27: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 5-11

Last week: L, 34-32 vs ATL
Last rank: 27th

Recap: A season that began with consecutive wins over the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles is winding up to be yet another disappointed. Now the Buccaneers hosted the Atlanta Falcons looking to avoid being swept by Dan Quinn’s team for the second consecutive year. Things looked good for Dirk Koetter’s squad as the club got two early TD passes from Jameis Winston and opened up a 17-0 second-quarter lead. But the Tampa defense would once again fail this squad and the Falcons would wind up rolling up 489 total yards. Winston would finish with 345 yards and four scores (1 interception) but it added up to a fourth straight loss to end the year.

Draft Talk: It’s a team that has drafted well in the first round in recent years. But what does the future hold for Winston, who will be entering the final year of his rookie contract next season. General manager Jason Licht has tried to fix the pass rush via free agency and trades and may have to use a high pick in this department.

Offseason Priorities: Via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Winston will be the starting quarterback in ’19. But Koetter was fired a few hours after his team lost (via Schefter). After a 9-7 debut in ‘16, the club managed a combined 10-22 record. Will the Bucs retain defensive coordinator Mark Duffner – who took over for Mike Smith in mid-October)

26: DETROIT LIONS 6-10

Last week: W, 31-0 at GB
Last rank: 30th

Recap: Lambeau Field used to be a house of horrors for the Detroit Lions. But the Men from Motown had actually won two of their previous three games on the Packers’ home field heading into this season finale. And make it three wins in four years as the Lions routed a seemingly-disinterested Green Bay team that lost quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the first half. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 266 yards and two touchdowns and Matt Patricia’s club rolled up 402 total yards and played turnover-free football. And kicker Matt Prater not only hit on four PATs and a 43-yard field goal, he would throw an eight-yard TD pass to Levine Toilolo off a fake field goal.

Draft Talk: The Lions could use some more offensive line help despite the fact that this is the area that general manager Bob Quinn has focused on in the first rounds. The Lions got a third-round pick from the Eagles for wide receiver Golden Tate in October, offsetting a deal that saw then send a third-rounder to the Patriots last April.

Offseason Priorities: It’s been a rough debut for Patricia but there have been some positives. Veteran defensive end Ezekiel Ansah signed his franchise tender a year ago but can now test free agency if the Lions allow him to. He was limited to a career-low seven games this season and finished with only four sacks.

25: BUFFALO BILLS 6-10

Last week: W, 42-17 vs MIA
Last rank: 25th

Recap: Sean McDermott’s team wrapped up its disappointing 2018 campaign looking to avenge a 21-17 loss to the Dolphins at South Florida in Week 13. The Bills jumped out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead but by intermission, Miami had drawn even. Quarterback Josh Allen continued to get the job done with his legs, running nine times for 95 yards and a pair of scores. He also threw for 224 yards and three touchdowns (2 to wide receiver Zay Jones) but did have an interception returned for a score. But the best moment of the afternoon was quite the sendoff for veteran defensive tackle Kyle Williams, who hauled in a nine-yard from Allen in his final NFL game.

Draft Talk: With Allen in place, general manager Brandon Beane’s biggest priority this offseason is not only finding more weapons for the strong-armed signal-caller but to surround him with a more efficient offensive line. The rookie signal-caller was sacked 28 times and led the team in rushing in 2018 – not exactly part of the game plan.

Offseason Priorities: Sunday was the last game for veteran defensive tackle Kyle Williams, who announced his retirement last week. That means the club could be looking for some more experience at defensive tackle in free agency help to pair alongside Star Lotulelei and 2018 third-round picks Harrison Phillips.

24: CINCINNATI BENGALS 6-10

Last week: L, 16-13 at PIT
Last rank: 24th

Recap: Marvin Lewis’s team made its way to Heinz Field looking to play postseason spoiler for the second consecutive year. In Week 17 last season, the Bengals knocked off the Ravens in Baltimore and kept them from clinching a wild card berth. Pittsburgh needed a win to keep its playoff hopes alive and got all they could handle from a game Cincinnati club. Joe Mixon ran 13 times for 105 yards but Jeff Driskel threw for only 95 yards and was sacked four times. The Bengals’ only touchdown of the game came on a 58-yard interception return by safety Shawn Williams. Lewis’ offense managed only 196 total yards to close out a very disappointing campaign.

Draft Talk: With the possible exception of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Geno Atkins, the Cincinnati defense failed miserably this season. It could be a unit overhauled in a big way in 2019 and that figures to come via the draft and not free agency. If Lewis remains, who will be the club’s new defensive coordinator in 2019?

Offseason Priorities: Is this the end for Marvin Lewis? The Bengals owned a 4-1 record after five games and now the club is guaranteed to finish last in the AFC North. It is a third straight losing season for the club after five consecutive appearances in the playoffs from 2011-15. But injuries played a part in this team’s demise in ‘18.

23: NEW YORK GIANTS 5-11

Last week: L, 36-35 vs DAL
Last rank: 23rd

Recap: Big Blue had played better as of late and the club look to close the season on a high note as the Giants hosted the Dallas Cowboys. Back in Week 2 on a Sunday night at Arlington, the Giants came up short by a 20-13 score. This time around, Pat Shurmur’s club was facing a team that really had nothing to play for save for momentum. It was a wildly entertaining game and another big outing for rookie running back Saquon Barkley, who gained 142 total yards from scrimmage and scored his 15th touchdown of the season. Eli Manning threw for 301 yards and two scores but also turned over the ball twice. The Giants finished 1-5 vs. their NFC East rivals.

Draft Talk: General manager Dave Gettleman added Barkley and guard Will Hernandez last April. In 2019, Big Blue won’t have a third-round pick after giving that up in the 2018 supplemental draft for cornerback Sam Beal. But the Giants have the Saints’ fourth-rounder after sending cornerback Eli Apple to the Big Easy earlier this year.

Offseason Priorities: This was an improved football team from a year ago and by all indications, Manning will be back at the controls for a 16th season with the franchise in 2019. Gettleman must find some answers on defense this offseason as this unit has steadily declined these past two years.

22: CAROLINA PANTHERS 7-9

Last week: W, 33-14 at NO
Last rank: 22nd

Recap: With Cam Newton sidelined and Taylor Heinicke placed on injured reserve, head coach Ron Rivera would now turn to rookie quarterback Kyle Allen as the team traveled to New Orleans looking to snap a four-game overall losing streak to the Saints. And the Panthers saw their seven-game skid come to an end against a New Orleans’ team that sat its share of starters. Allen threw for 228 yards and a pair of scores and ran for another touchdown before leaving the game late after being shaken up. Ron Rivera’s club ran out to a 23-0 halftime lead and won a game for the first time since a Week 9 home victory over Tampa Bay.

Draft Talk: An heir apparent to tight end Greg Olsen must be high on the list. The team could also look at some offensive and defensive line help. Protecting Newton is still an issue and grooming some young tackles might be the best solution instead of free agency this spring.

Offseason Priorities: By all indications, Rivera will be back with the club. “I feel pretty good,” he told Max Henson of Panthers.com “My intention, everything I’ve been doing is working towards the future…My conversations with the owner have been all positive…” Meanwhile, will the Panthers attempt to re-sign wide receiver Devin Funchess?

21: MIAMI DOLPHINS 7-9

Last week: L, 42-17 at BUF
Last rank: 17th

Recap: The Dolphins hope to finish at the .500 mark but it would take a victory at chilly Orchard Park to even the team’s record in 2018. Thanks to a 21-17 win back in Week 13 at South Florida, Adam Gase’s club was in position to sweep the Buffalo Bills for the second time in three years. But much-maligned quarterback Ryan Tannehill was sacked four times while throwing a pair of first-quarter interceptions. Still, he was on the receiving end of a three-yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Kenny Stills. Miami’s much-maligned defensive unit allowed 381 total yards and allowed quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills to gain 166 yards on the ground.

Draft Talk: The Dolphins’ recent drafts have been a little hot and cold, especially in the first round. A year ago, the team added defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick and seven other players in April’s selection process and got good value from that class. The club needs a lot of help on defense, most notably run-stoppers.

Offseason Priorities: The Miami Herald speculated that Tannehill would not be back in 2019. That’s a decision that hasn’t been officially made to date but the 2012 first-round pick has expressed a desire to return to the team. But executive vice president of football operations Mike Tannebaum was the subject of some recent criticism, so…

20: GREEN BAY PACKERS 6-9-1

Last week: L, 31-0 vs DET
Last rank: 19th

Recap: The Packers closed out a disappointing season by hosting the Detroit Lions, who were in position to sweep this NFC North rivalry for the second consecutive year. Back in Week 5 at Ford Field, Green Bay came up short in a sloppy 31-23 setback. In this rematch, the team looked lifeless on both sides of the ball. And quarterback Aaron Rodgers would wind up exiting in the first half and was evaluated for a concussion. It added up to 175 total yards for Joe Philbin’s club, which had the football only 23:06 while the visiting Lions rolled up 402 yards. All told, it was a very ugly effort for a team that never found its footing in 2018.

Draft Talk: The last time the franchise used a pair of first-round draft choices was 2009, when the Packers added outside linebacker Clay Matthews and nose tackle B.J. Raji. The club has used its first selection in the draft on a defensive back four of the previous five years dating back to 2014, including second-rounder Kevin King in ‘17.

Offseason Priorities: Early last week, numerous sources announced that both Jim Caldwell and Chuck Pagano had been interviewed for the head coaching job. But it also wouldn’t be a surprise to see current interim head coach Joe Philbin remain at the helm in 2019. Kutekunst has quite the workload ahead of him the next few months.

19: DENVER BRONCOS 6-10

Last week: L, 23-9 vs LAC
Last rank: 18th

Recap: Despite three straight losses after evening their record at 6-6, the Broncos could play AFC West title spoiler if Vance Joseph’s team could complete a sweep of the rival Chargers. Back in Week 11 at Los Angeles, Denver came away with an unlikely 23-22 victory. This time around, both the Bolts and Broncos turned over the football four times. And despite the fact that quarterback Case Keenum threw for 291 yards and one score, he was picked off once and lost one of his two fumbles. And after his lone TD pass of the day, his two-point conversion attempt was picked off by Casey Hayward and gave the Chargers an additional two points.

Draft Talk: Come April, the Broncos will have extra selections in both the fourth and fifth round in the 2019 draft. The first is part of the deal that sent wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to the Houston Texans. The fifth rounder comes via the Minnesota Vikings for the 2018 trade as part of a deal involving quarterback Trevor Siemian.

Offseason Priorities: By the time anyone gets around to reading this, Vance Joseph (11-21 in 2 seasons) may no longer be the Broncos’ head coach. That seems to be the feeling, as reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. If that’s indeed the case, it will be interesting to see just who is on head honcho John Elway’s short list.

18: WASHINGTON REDSKINS 7-9

Last week: L, 24-0 vs PHI
Last rank: 21st

Recap: On Thursday, the Redskins signed well-traveled defender Marcus Smith and placed tight end Jordan Reed and quarterback Colt McCoy on injured reserve. Now Jay Gruden’s club hoped to salvage a .500 season by cooling off the still playoff-hopeful Philadelphia Eagles. But a once-promising campaign ended on an extremely sour note as Washington’s offense totaled 89 yards on 44 plays. Washington’s defense got zero support from the other side of the ball and that was a big reason Philadelphia controlled the football for 43:19 and ran 71 offensive plays. The ‘Skins ground attack managed a paltry 21 yards on 12 attempts.

Draft Talk: The last time the Redskins used a first-round draft choice on a quarterback was 2012 for Robert Griffin III. As for 2019, the club doesn’t have a fourth-round pick (Ha Ha Clinton-Dix) or a sixth round selection. The latter was forfeited when the team chose cornerback Adonis Alexander in the 2018 supplemental draft.

Offseason Priorities: What does the future hold for both Gruden and team president Bruce Allen? The former was dealt a tough hand when quarterback Alex Smith went down in Week 11 and the club used three more different starting quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Allen has been the subject of much criticism over the last few years.

17: ATLANTA FALCONS 7-9

Last week: W, 34-32 at TB
Last rank: 20th

Recap: The Falcons made their way to Tampa in position to sweep the Buccaneers for the third straight season and finish the year with a three-game winning streak. Dan Quinn’s club trailed their hosts, 17-0, in the second quarter but quarterback Matt Ryan would enjoy a huge afternoon. The 11-year signal-caller hit on 31-of-44 throws for 378 yards and a pair of touchdowns (1 interception). Wide receiver Julio Jones caught nine passes for 138 yards and one score. But the play of the game came from wideout Mohamed Sanu, who threw a five-yard TD pass to Ryan midway through the third quarter. Matt Bryant’s hit on a 37-yard field goal at the gun for the victory.

Draft Talk: The team will finish with its first losing season under Quinn and will draft in the upper half of the first round. It’s a team that could use a little more oomph on defense as the injuries to middle linebacker Deion Jones (who eventually returned) and safeties Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen proved to be devastating.

Offseason Priorities: Last offseason, the Falcons were fairly quiet when it came to free agency and made a key signings geared towards depth. Could the organization change that philosophy in 2019? As far as retaining players, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and running back Tevin Coleman figure to top the club’s list.

16: MINNESOTA VIKINGS 8-7-1

Last week: L, 24-10 vs CHI
Last rank: 8th

Recap: A win by Mike Zimmer’s team on Sunday against the NFC North champion Chicago Bears and the Vikings would be back in the playoffs for a second straight year – a feat that this franchise hasn’t achieved since the 2008 and ‘09 seasons. But the club struggled in the trenches on each side of the ball, especially on defense as the Bears orchestrated touchdown drives of 71 and 85 yards in the first half. Quarterback Kirk Cousins was harassed by the Chicago defense throughout the afternoon sacked four times and limited to 132 yards through the air. And Zimmer’s team was an unimaginable 1-of-11 on third down and 1-of-4 on fourth-down conversion attempts.

Draft Talk: General manager Rick Spielman will likely focus his efforts in April on the team’s troubled offensive line. The Minnesota running game slumped badly in 2018 and keeping Cousins out of harm’s way throughout the season was an even bigger problem. The Vikings allowed a disturbing 40 sacks this season.

Offseason Priorities: The league’s top-ranked defensive unit from 2017 was pushed around far too many times this past season and that was evident in both losses to the Bears this year. The team may also look for some help at running back in the draft or free agency given Dalvin Cook’s penchant for injuries his first two seasons.

15: CLEVELAND BROWNS 7-8-1

Last week: L, 26-24 at BAL
Last rank: 15th

Recap: Winners of three straight games, the Browns were in position to clinch their first winning season since 2007 with a victory at Baltimore. They also had the opportunity to possibly spoil the Ravens’ AFC North title plans. Back in Week 5 at Cleveland, the home teams came away with a 12-9 overtime win and now look to sweep this series for the first time since ‘07. Rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield was at his gun-slinging best in this contest and burned the league’s top-ranked defense for 376 yards through the air and three scores – setting a new rookie record for TD passes (27) in a season. But despite not being sacked in the game, he was also picked off three times.

Draft Talk: Last April, the club struck gold with many of its draft choices, including Mayfield, running back Nick Chubb, cornerback Denzel Ward and wide receiver Antonio Callaway. General manager John Dorsey did a nice job adding young talent and there’s no reason the Browns won’t rely on this route once again.

Offseason Priorities: Has Dorsey liked what he has seen from interim head coach Gregg Williams in terms of giving him the job full time? The club has certainly responded to him, especially down the stretch. Current offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens has made a big difference as well since being promoted to replace Todd Haley.

14: TENNESSEE TITANS 9-7

Last week: L, 33-17 vs IND
Last rank: 14th

Recap: The surging Titans hosted the Indianapolis Colts rising a four-game winning streak and with a playoff berth on the line. Back in Week 11 at Lucas Oil Stadium, Mike Vrabel’s team was manhandled by Andrew Luck and company, 38-10. Now Tennessee look for its first double-digit win season since 2008, which was the last time this club won a division title. It would be backup Blaine Gabbert behind center in this crucial contest. And the well-traveled signal-caller struggled throughout the game, throwing a pair of fourth-quarter interceptions. Meanwhile, the Tennessee defense was overwhelmed by an Indianapolis attack that rolled up 436 total yards.

Draft Talk: The club needs to address the defensive line in April and may want to add some cornerback help as well. The free-agent addition of Malcolm Butler this year came with a little disappointment. And Tennessee’s front seven just isn’t the same without Pro Bowler Jurrell Casey out of the lineup.

Offseason Priorities: The team could potentially have 14 unrestricted free agents come early March. And starting outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan top the list. Veteran defensive tackle Bennie Logan may be another player general manager Jon Robinson is interested in retaining as well.

13: PITTSBURGH STEELERS 9-6-1

Last week: W, 16-13 vs CIN
Last rank: 11th

Recap: Losers of four of their previous five games after a 7-2-1 start, the Steelers hosted the Cincinnati Bengals looking for a win. Mike Tomlin’s club was needed the Cleveland Browns to surprise the Ravens at Baltimore, hence Pittsburgh would claim the AFC North title for a third straight year. Ben Roethlisberger would not have prolific wideout Antonio Brown, who was nursing a knee injury. And the latest interception by “Big Ben” helped put the team into a 10-0 second-quarter hole. But Roethlisberger completed passes to nine different players, the defense allowed only 196 total yards and Matt McCrane’s 35-yard field goal with 1:56 to play gave the Steelers the win.

Draft Talk: General manager Kevin Colbert has stressed defense in the first round every year since 2013. Over that span, the Steelers have drafted four linebackers and two defensive backs. It will be interesting to see if that philosophy continues in April. Or will the club turn to the offensive side of the ball early on?

Offseason Priorities: It would not be shocking to see the organization make some changes to the coaching staff in 2019. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler could be feeling the heat given the erratic nature of his unit, especially when it comes to stopping the pass. But it would be a shock to see this team part ways with Tomlin.

12: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 9-7

Last week: W, 9-7 at WAS
Last rank: 16th

Recap: The reigning NFL champions were hoping to get a chance to defend their Lombardi Trophy. Philadelphia looked for a second victory of the season over the Washington Redskins and hoped that the Minnesota Vikings came up short at home against the Chicago Bears. And both of those things came to fruition as a team with a 4-6 record after 10 games closed the year with five victories in their last six outings. Quarterbacks Nick Foles and Nate Sudfeld combined to throw for 243 yards and three scores, with Foles being sacked three times and picked off once before leaving the game (ribs). Philadelphia’s defense allowed a mere 89 yards in the shutout win.

Postseason Preview: Pederson’s team will begin defense of its Super Bowl title with a trip to the Windy City to face the NFC North champion Chicago Bears next Sunday. The Eagles have won the last three meetings between the clubs dating back to 2013, including a 31-3 victory last season at Philadelphia (Week 12).

Offseason Priorities: The Eagles will get a chance to restock the cupboard a bit in April. Along with their own first-round selection, the Birds have the Baltimore Ravens’ second-round pick thanks to last year’s deal on the first night of the draft. But Philadelphia did give up a third-round selection in October for wide receiver Golden Tate.

11: BALTIMORE RAVENS 10-6

Last week: W, 26-24 vs CLE
Last rank: 12th

Recap: It was pretty simple. Defeat the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at Baltimore and John Harbaugh’s team would be AFC North champions for the first time since 2012. But the Ravens would be taking on a team that had defeated him earlier this season, 12-9 in overtime, at Cleveland in Week 5. It was another huge outing for the Baltimore ground game as the club rolled up 296 yards on the ground and rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson had 90 of those yards and two scoring runs. He also threw for 179 yards but did lose one of his two fumbles. Browns’ quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 376 yards and three scores but the Ravens also picked him off three times.

Postseason Preview: Harbaugh has his team back in the playoffs for the first time since 2014. And it’s worth noting that in each of the team’s previous six postseason appearances under their current head coach that the Ravens have won at least one game. The club will host the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday afternoon.

Offseason Priorities: Longtime team executive Ozzie Newsome conducted his last draft for the organization last April and no team in the league selected more players (12) during the three-day process. Youth will continue to be served by this organization and allowing Lamar Jackson to develop as a passer is a major priority.

10: DALLAS COWBOYS 10-6

Last week: W, 36-35 at NYG
Last rank: 13th

Recap: Jason Garrett’s Cowboys are locked into the No. 4 seed in the NFC. So it would be interesting to see how this club would handle its Week 17 visit to MetLife Stadium to face the improved New York Giants. Back in Week 2 on a Sunday night at Arlington, Dallas came up with an ugly 20-13 victory. Running back Ezekiel Elliott would sit this one out but Garrett’s stuck with quarterback Dak Prescott and many of his starters. He would throw for 387 yards and four touchdowns, three of those scores to tight end Blake Jarwin. Minus Elliott, Dallas ran for only 51 yards on 22 carries. But Prescott overcame four sacks to rescue his team late in the game.

Postseason Preview: The ‘Boys are NFC East champions for the third time in five years. Which means they will host the Seattle Seahawks this coming Sunday. It’s a team that they have lost three straight games to dating back to 2015, including two straight at Dallas. Back in Week 3, the Cowboys fell at Seattle, 24-13.

Offseason Priorities: A year ago, defensive end Demarcus Lawrence was given the franchise tag and he played in 2018 after signing his one-year tender. Can the team get him inked to a long-term deal? Defensive tackle David Irving and wide receiver Cole Beasley could also become unrestricted free agents in March.

9: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 10-6

Last week: W, 27-24 vs ARI
Last rank: 10th

Recap: The Seahawks are headed back to the playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons. The team still needed to win over the visiting Arizona Cardinals to ensure the No. 5 seed in the NFC. But Big Red had been successful in its previous three trips to the Pacific Northwest dating back to 2015. And Steve Wilks’ club gave Russell Wilson and companies all it could handle and more, although the Seattle defense did limited a horrid Arizona offense to 198 total yards. Once again, the ‘Hawks ground game was the difference as Chris Carson gained 122 of the team’s 182 rushing yards. He also scored once while Sebastian Janikowski’s kicked the game-winning field as time ran out.

Postseason Preview: The Seahawks travel to Arlington for a clash with the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday evening. It’s the second encounter of the season between these teams as Carroll’s club got its first win of 2018 with a 24-13 home triumph in Week 3. And Seattle has won its last two games at Dallas, prevailing in 2015 and ’17.

Offseason Priorities: It was supposed to be a rebuilding year in the Pacific Northwest. Instead, the Seahawks rallied from a 0-2 start and are postseason bound for the sixth time in seven years dating back to 2012. Carroll and general manager John Schneider have worked well together and that figures to continue this offseason.

8: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 10-6

Last week: W, 33-17 at TEN
Last rank: 9th

Recap: Earlier this season, the rejuvenated Colts welcomed the Tennessee Titans to Lucas Oil Stadium and handed them a 38-10 setback. Now the rematch would take place in prime time at Nashville with a playoff berth on the line for both clubs. Frank Reich’s club made it nine wins in their last 10 games and reached the playoffs after a 1-5 start. Quarterback Andrew Luck threw for 285 yards and three scores (1 interception) while the Colts’ ground attack churned out 158 yards – 119 and a touchdown by Marlon Mack. Indianapolis’ offense rolled up 436 yards on 72 plays – 36 on the ground complimented by 36 passing plays.

Postseason Preview: The Colts and Texans will meet for the third time this season. Both teams won on the road this season and each by three points. Houston came away with a 37-34 overtime triumph in Week 4 at Indianapolis, while Luck and company ended the Texans’ nine-game winning streak in Week 14, 24-21.

Offseason Priorities: General manager Chris Ballard has done an outstanding job in his first two drafts with the team. The additions of offensive linemen Quenton Nelson and Braden Smith in April were huge. It’s worth noting that the Colts have an extra second-rounder in 2019 thanks to last year’s deal with the New York Jets.

7: HOUSTON TEXANS 11-5

Last week: W, 20-3 vs JAC
Last rank: 7th

Recap: A home win over the disappointing Jaguars would give Bill O’Brien’s team its third AFC South title in four years. It would also give the Texans their 11th victory of the season, the club’s best win total since finishing 12-4 in 2012. Second-year quarterback Deshaun Watson took his mumps throughout the afternoon, sacked six times by the Jacksonville pass rush. But he also riddled the same defense for 234 yards on 25-of-35 throws. Watson also ran 13 times for 66 yards and one score, part of a ground attack that featured Lamar Miller (17 attempts for 56 yards, 1 touchdown). J.J. Watt had 1.5 sacks and he and his defensive teammates limited the Jaguars to 199 total yards.

Postseason Preview: The Texans will host the Indianapolis Colts this Saturday afternoon. Of course, winning in the first round had not necessarily been a problem for this franchise over the years. But if this club survives the wild card round, can it finally make it to the conference championship game for the first time ever?

Offseason Priorities: When it comes to next April and the 2019 draft, the club will have their own first-round choice and a pair of No. 2s. That’s a big plus for a team that didn’t pick until the third round a year ago. And would the team use the franchise tag on potential free agent outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney?

6: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 11-5

Last week: W, 38-3 vs NYJ
Last rank: 6th

Recap: The defending AFC champions haven’t played their best football as of late. And Bill Belichick’s club was hoping to build a little momentum as they hosted the New York Jets and looked to sweep their AFC East rival for the third consecutive year. The New England offense gained 375 total yards and did not turn over the football. Ageless Tom Brady threw for 250 yards and four touchdowns while the Patriots’ ground attack amassed 131 yards on 30 tries. Belichick’s defense sacked Jets’ quarterback Sam Darnold four times and came up with three takeaways – all fumble recoveries and one of those taken back for a score by Kyle Van Noy.

Postseason Preview: The franchise is headed to the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season, a first in NFL annals. It’s also the ninth straight year that the Patriots are either the first or second seed in the conference. With Brady and under Belichick, the team owns an impressive 27-10 postseason record.

Offseason Priorities: Youth must be served here and the Patriots had put that into place last April. But the majority of the team’s nine selections in the 2018 NFL Draft wound up spending or finishing the season on injured reserve. Still, rookie running back Sony Michel has been a bright spot. Will the team be active in free agency once again?

5: CHICAGO BEARS 12-4

Last week: W, 24-10 at MIN
Last rank: 5th

Recap: A win by the Bears at Minnesota on Sunday combined with a Rams’ loss to the San Francisco 49ers would give Matt Nagy’s club the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. And the reigning NFC North champions had already defeated the Purple Gang, 25-20, on a Sunday night at Soldier Field earlier this year. But this club was out to make a statement and shackled the Vikings to the tune of 164 total yards. Jordan Howard (109, 2 touchdowns) led a ground attack that gained 169 yards on 37 carries. Vic Fangio’s defense sacked Kirk Cousins four times and limited the Minnesota running game to just 63 yards on 15 attempts.

Postseason Preview: The Bears will host the wild card Philadelphia Eagles this weekend are making their first playoff appearance since 2010, which was also the last season the team captured a division title. That club came up just short of Super Bowl XLV, losing the NFC title game at home to the Packers that year.

Offseason Priorities: General manager Ryan Pace has pushed a lot of the right button in recent years, most notably in terms of free agency and trades. As for the 2019 draft, the Bears don’t have picks in either the first or second rounds due to deals with the Raiders (Khalil Mack) or Patriots.

4: LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 12-4

Last week: W, 23-9 at DEN
Last rank: 3rd

Recap: The Chargers were certainly hoping to fare better against the Denver Broncos this time around than they did back at home in Week 11, when the club was stunned on a last-second field goal, 23-22. The Bolts took a 6-1 road record into this tilt in the Mile High City and would battle a team that had dropped three straight games entering Sunday’s clash. Philip Rivers wasn’t sharp, throwing for one score and two interceptions, and the Bolts turned over the football four times – including a lost fumble after an interception and ill-advised lateral. But Lynn’s club also got four takeaways and now prepares to battle the Ravens at Baltimore in the wild card round.

Postseason Preview: The last time the Bolts were in the playoffs was 2013, when the club defeated the Bengals at Cincinnati in the wild card round and then lost to the eventual AFC champion Broncos at Denver one week later. The team is seeking only its second Super Bowl appearance and first since 1994 – a loss to the 49ers (XXIX).

Offseason Priorities: General Manager Tom Telesco has very quietly built a talented and somewhat-deep roster that was able to withstand the absence of Bosa for the first half of the season while dealing with injuries to the running back spot late in the year. The franchise needs to stick with its current game plan.

3: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 12-4

Last week: W, 35-3 vs OAK
Last rank: 4th

Recap: Off back-to-back losses to the Chargers and Seahawks, Andy Reid’s team could still wrap up the AFC West and the top seed in the conference with a win over the Raiders. And the Chiefs wasted little time taking care of business against the Silver and Black as quarterback Patrick Mahomes hit Tyreek Hill for a 67-yard score less than three minutes into the game and later in the quarter, Daniel Sorenson returned a Derek Carr interception 54 yards for a touchdown. Mahomes would throw for two scores (1 interception) and joined Denver’s Peyton Manning (55 in 2013) and New England’s Tom Brady (50 in 2007) as the only players to throw at least 50 TD passes in a season.

Postseason Preview: This will be Kansas City’s fourth consecutive playoff appearance and fifth in six years under Reid. It’s also the first time that the Chiefs are the conference’s top seed since 1997, when the club was led by head coach Marty Schottenheimer. But the team’s playoff record under Reid is a disappointing 1-4.

Offseason Priorities: The Chiefs are one of the most exciting teams but at times for all the wrong reasons. The club still needs a lot of help on defense, especially on its three-man front. Keep an eye on outside linebacker Dee Ford, who is enjoying a career year but could test free agency in ‘19 if the team doesn’t re-sign him first.

2: LOS ANGELES RAMS 13-3

Last week: W, 48-32 vs SF
Last rank: 2nd

Recap: Despite owning a 12-3 record, the NFC West champion Rams had not wrapped up the No. 2 seed in the NFC. They would need a victory over the visiting 49ers or a Bears’ loss at Minnesota to achieve that feat or Sean McVay’s team would slide down to the No. 3 spot. Running back Todd Gurley would sit for a second straight week and C.J. Anderson would get the call. But the Rams were in business early thanks to a pair of early 49ers’ turnovers and took a 14-0 lead just 4:18 into the game. McVay’s squad was never challenged and owned a 38-10 third-quarter lead. It marked the fifth game this season the Rams won after allowing at least 31 points.

Postseason Preview: The Rams have won division titles for the first time since winning seven straight NFC West crowns from 1973-79. And the club is making consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since 2003 and ’04. All told, the franchise is looking for its first Super Bowl appearance in 2001 (XXXVI).

Offseason Priorities: Despite a second straight NFC West title and the conference’s second seed, the Rams still have some big-time question marks, especially on the defensive side of the football. Finding some linebacker help would be a plus. The Rams could also address depth on the offensive line as well as add some young cornerbacks.

1: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 13-3

Last week: L, 33-14 vs CAR
Last rank: 1st

Recap: The Saints welcomed the Carolina Panthers to the Superdome and looked for a 14th victory in 2018, which would set a new franchise record for a season. In Week 15, the Saints shackled Ron Rivera’s team in a defensive struggle at Charlotte, 12-9. On Sunday, both Drew Brees and Alvin Kamara took a seat and Teddy Bridgewater got the start for Sean Payton’s club. And the Saints looked less than inspired in a game that meant nothing to the team, with the exception of setting a new franchise record for wins in a season. Bridgewater hit on 14-of-22 passes for 118 yards and one touchdown (1 interception) in his first start since 2015 with the Vikings.

Postseason Preview: The Saints are back-to-back NFC South champions for the first time in the franchise’s 52-year history. And the club owns the top seed in the conference for the first time since 2009, when Payton’s club went onto capture Super Bowl XLIV thanks to a 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

Offseason Priorities: Perhaps the biggest name on the Saints’ potential free-agent list for 2019 is running back Mark Ingram. The club is well balanced and has plenty of youth on the offensive line. As it stands now, the team does not have a selection in the first, second or fourth round in the 2019 NFL Draft.