NFL POWER RANKINGS FOR WEEK 16

BEARS CELEBRATING, PATRIOTS FADING

It was a week where numerous teams ended long losing streaks to opponents. And the Indianapolis Colts cooled off another team from the Lone Star State.

32: ARIZONA CARDINALS 3-11

Last week: L, 40-14 at ATL
Last rank: 32nd

Recap: Steve Wilks and the Arizona Cardinals made their way east to Atlanta to face the disappointing Falcons. Big Red’s current head coach is more than familiar with Dan Quinn’s club given his six-year stint with the Carolina Panthers from 2012-17. But that didn’t make any difference as the Cards surrendered 435 total yards – 215 on the ground and 220 through the air. Quarterbacks Josh Rosen (6) and Mike Glennon (1) were sacked a combined seven times. The latter also threw two interceptions (1 returned for a touchdown) and lost a fumble. With two weeks to play, the Cardinals have scored a mere 192 points in 14 outings.

Next Week: The Cards host the NFC West champion Los Angeles Rams in a series that has become incredibly lopsided these past two seasons. Back in Week 2 at L.A. Coliseum, Big Red was manhandled by Sean McVay’s team, 34-0. Arizona has dropped three straight meetings by a combined 99-16 score.

Draft Talk: It’s figured to be of rebuilding year of sorts in the desert and that’s exactly what has transpired with these Cardinals. The offense has been dreadful this season and the team will have to surround Rosen with a lot more weapons via free agency and/or the draft, as well as upgrade the offensive line.

31: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 4-10

Last week: L, 16-13 vs WAS
Last rank: 31st

Recap: Out of the playoffs for the 10th time in 11 years, the Jaguars hosted the struggling Washington Redskins – losers of their last four games. Cody Kessler was once again Doug Marrone’s starting quarterback but he was under the gun all afternoon. He barely completed 50 percent of his passes (9-of-17), threw for 57 yards, committed a pair of turnovers and was sacked six times. The Jaguars’ only touchdown of the afternoon came on a 74-yard punt return by wide receiver Dede Westbrook late in the first half. Marrone’s offense managed only 192 yards, 172 of that on the ground and 68 of those yards by Kessler.

Next Week: The Jaguars will stay in the Sunshine State as they head to Miami to take on the Dolphins. It’s the first regular season meeting between these franchises since 2015, when Jacksonville came away with a 23-20 home victory. Including playoffs, it’s just the ninth lifetime encounter between the franchises dating back to ’98.

Draft Talk: Back in 2014, the organization use the third overall pick in the draft that year to select quarterback Blake Bortles. So will the team opt to go this route in April and use a high pick on the position for the second time in six years? The Jaguars could also use some more help at wide receiver and tight end.

30: OAKLAND RAIDERS 3-11

Last week: L, 30-16 at CIN
Last rank: 29th

Recap: Off their third win of the season, the Silver and Black made their way east to the Queen City to take on a Bengals’ team that was riding a five-game game losing streak heading into Sunday’s match up. But you would not have known that Jon Gruden’s team was coming off a win as the Raiders fell behind, 17-0, in the second quarter and were down by 13 points at intermission. Gruden’s squad dud make things very interesting and closed the gap to 23-16 with 5:05 to play on Daniel Carlson’s third field goal of the afternoon. But Bengals’ running back Joe Mixon’s second touchdown run of the game roughly a minute later ensured Oakland’s 11th loss of 2018.

Next Week: It’s another Monday night home game for the Raiders who began their season with a 33-13 loss to the Los Angeles Rams three months ago. This time, it’s a meeting with the rival Broncos. Back in Week 2 at Denver, Oakland came up short, 20-19, and now looks to avoid being swept in the series for the first time since 2014.

Draft Talk: A lot has been made and will be made about the Raiders’ trio of first-round draft choices in 2019. But will the organization hold on to all of those high selections or trade down and get some additional young talent? And will the club rely on Gruden to add players or hire a general manager to replace McKenzie?

29: DETROIT LIONS 5-9

Last week: L, 14-13 at BUF
Last rank: 28th

Recap: Matt Patricia’s first season as an NFL head coach has been wildly unpredictable. But if the club could run the table the final three weeks, the team could finish with a. 500 record. The Lions got on the board first with a touchdown (but botched the PAT attempt). And quarterback Matthew Stafford hit on 22-of-29 throws for 208 yards and one score, the vast majority of that aerial yardage to wide receiver Kenny Golladay (146). And Matt Patricia’s defense held Buffalo to a mere 14 points. But that failed conversion proved costly, as did a 48-yard field goal attempt by kicker Matt Prater with less than six minutes remaining in the game.

Next Week: Patricia’s team will close its season with back-to-back games vs. their NFC North rivals. This Sunday, the club will host the Minnesota Vikings. Back in Week 9, Stafford was sacked 10 times in a 24-9 loss in the Twin Cities. Despite two straight losses in this series, the Lions own a 5-4 record in this series dating back to 2014.

Draft Talk: The first season under the new head coach has been very disappointing due to the Lions’ up-and-down performance all year. Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn knows there’s a lot of work to do if the team is to become a playoff contender again. The team still hasn’t won a playoff games since 1991.

28: NEW YORK JETS 4-10

Last week: L, 29-22 vs HOU
Last rank: 27th

Recap: The Jets got back on track last Sunday at Orchard Park, rallying for a 27-23 win over the Bills and snapping their six-game losing streak. Now Todd Bowles’ squad would take on the first-place Houston Texans. And the club was in position to pull the upset, rallying from a 16-3 first-half deficit to take a 22-19 lead with five minutes to play. But the defense, which sacked Texans’ quarterback Deshaun Watson six times, gave up a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive in the final minutes. Sam Darnold threw for 253 yards and two scores without an interception but was sacked three times as the team lost its 10th game of the year.

Next Week: Bowles’ team gets an extra day of preparation as they host the Green Bay Packers this coming Sunday. The teams meet for the first time since 2014 and the Green and White host the Green and Gold for the first time since 2010. The Jets own an 8-4 lifetime record in an interconference series that dates back to 1973.

Draft Talk: The Jets could be a very busy franchise during the 2019 offseason given their salary cap situation. As far as the draft, the team needs to address both the offensive and defensive lines. The talented Darnold could certainly use a little more help in terms of the skill positions. But will there be changes at the top?

27: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 4-10

Last week: W, 26-23 vs SEA (OT)
Last rank: 30th

Recap: Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers came up big in the first half last week against the visiting Denver Broncos and held on for win. Now the club was home for the second consecutive week and took on the Seattle Seahawks for the second time in a three-game span. San Francisco took a 10-game losing streak to Pete Carroll’s club into this matchup. But the Niners came up big when it counted most and in a lot of different areas, including special teams as Richie James returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown and Robbie Gould added four field goals, including a 36-yard boot with 3:06 to play in overtime to cool off Carroll’s surging club.

Next Week: The 49ers and Chicago Bears will clash for the fifth straight year, this time at San Francisco. Last season, Shanahan’s team got five field goals from veteran specialist Robbie Gould in a 15-14 victory at Soldier Field in Week 13. The Niners have won four of the last six meeting between the clubs dating back to ’09.

Draft Talk: Injuries to running back Jerick McKinnon (before the season began) and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (Week 3 at Kansas City) have had an enormous bearing on the misfortunes of the 49ers this year. The defense has played better as of late and has a lot of talent up from but could use some help in terms of the back-seven.

26: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 5-9

Last week: L, 20-12 at BAL
Last rank: 23rd

Recap: The intriguing Buccaneers headed north to Baltimore for the first time since 2010 to take on the Ravens. And Dirk Koetter’s squad actually owned a 9-7 advantage late in the second quarter. But the Tampa defense rally had no answers for Baltimore’s multi-faceted running game. The Ravens rolled up 242 yards on the ground on 49 attempts, an impressive 4.9 yards per carry. Meanwhile, the Bucs were on the very wrong end of the time of possession battle (22:50) and the offense totaled only 241 yards by game’s end. James Winston threw for only 157 yards and was picked off once in what amounted to another frustrating performance by this team.

Next Week: The Buccaneers make their way to Arlington for the second time in three seasons as they renew acquaintances with the Dallas Cowboys for the third time in four years. Including playoffs, Tampa owns a 4-14 lifetime record in this series dating back to 1977 – the latest result a 26-20 Sunday night road setback in ’16.

Draft Talk: There will be no playoffs for the 11th straight year for this franchise. It’s a team that has shown a lot of promise on occasion and it’s not short on talent at certain positions. But the Tampa Bay defense fell apart in a big way this season and it may take a draft concentrated on that side of the ball to fix what ails this unit.

25: NEW YORK GIANTS 5-9

Last week: L, 17-0 vs TEN
Last rank: 21st

Recap: Winners of four of their last five games after a horrendous 1-7 start; the revitalize Giants hosted the Tennessee Titans. And after showing some promise in recent weeks, Pat Shurmur’s club was shut down at rainy MetLife Stadium. Rookie running back Saquon Barkley ran for only 31 yards on 14 carries and caught just four passes for 25 yards. Eli Manning threw for 229 yards but was sacked three times and picked off once. And New York’s defensive unit had no answers for Tennessee’s ground attack as Titans’ running back Derrick Henry totaled 170 yards and two scores on 33 carries.

Next Week: Big Blue makes its way to Lucas Oil Stadium for this first time since 2010 as the Giants and Colts clash for the first time since ‘14. When these clubs last met, Indianapolis walked away with 40-24 win at MetLife Stadium. All told, the Colts have won the last three meetings between the franchises dating back to 2006.

Draft Talk: The selection of Barkley with the second overall pick was questioned by some last April. But he’s responded with a huge year and general manager Dave Gettleman also added starting left guard Will Hernandez in the second round. Now the club needs to strike gold on the offensive line in April once again.

24: BUFFALO BILLS 5-9

Last week: W, 14-13 vs DET
Last rank: 26th

Recap: It’s been a rough season for the Bills, who one year ago reached the playoffs for the first time since 1999. On Sunday, they welcomed the Detroit Lions to Orchard Park for the first time since 2010. The visitors drew first blood in the second quarter but failed to convert the PAT. Later, Sean McDermott’s would once again trail, this time in the final quarter, 13-7. But rookie signal-caller Josh Allen had already run three yards for one score. And with less than 11 minutes remaining in the contest, he found wide receiver Robert Foster from 42 yards out for the touchdown and the PAT gave the Bills the lead. And the Lions missed a field goal later in the quarter.

Next Week: McDermott’s team renews acquaintances with the New England Patriots for the second time this season. Things did not go well earlier this year as the Bills were humbled on a Monday night at home, 25-6, in Week 8. Buffalo has dropped four straight games in this series – by a combined 126-50 score.

Draft Talk: The Bills have been very busy each of the past two offseasons and there’s no reason to believe that 2019 will be any different. The club needs a lot of help on the offensive line and must finally come up with some reliable wide receivers. At least the franchise has settled on its quarterback of the future.

23: CINCINNATI BENGALS 6-8

Last week: W, 30-16 vs OAK
Last rank: 25th

Recap: The sliding Bengals resided in the basement of the AFC North following their Week 14 loss to the Chargers. Now the club returned home and look to rebound against the Oakland Raiders. And it was quarterback Jeff Driskel once again at the controls for Marvin Lewis’ team and he had his issues, hitting on only 14 of his 33 attempts for 130 yards and one interception. But he also threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Tyler Boyd in the first quarter to get the team rolling. Meanwhile, Joe Mixon ran 27 times for 129 yards and a pair of scores. And Cincinnati came up with two takeaways and five sacks as the team snapped its five-game losing streak.

Next Week: Back in Week 12 at Paul Brown Stadium, Lewis’ team was pushed around by the Browns, 35-20. Now the Bengals look to avoid being swept by their intrastate rivals for the first time since 2002. But it’s worth mentioning that this club has won four straight at Cleveland dating back to ‘14 (by a combined 120-29 score).

Draft Talk: Make it three consecutive years that the Bengals won’t be headed to the playoffs. And the team will also finish without a winning record for the third consecutive season as well. This is a team that usually drafts very well. The team could really use some help on defense, especially when it comes to the front seven.

22: ATLANTA FALCONS 5-9

Last week: W, 40-14 vs ARI
Last rank: 24th

Recap: Dan Quinn’s slumping club hosted the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday looking to end their miserable five-game losing streak. And after the Falcons spotted the visitors a 7-0 lead, the team reeled off 40 consecutive points before surrendering a touchdown with 3:14 to play. Tevin Coleman carried 11 times for 145 yards and one score while quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns and also ran for another TD. Atlanta’s defense totaled seven sacks and forced Josh Rosen into three turnovers, one of those an interception that was returned 41 yards for a touchdown by linebacker Deion Jones for Atlanta’s first score of the game.

Next Week: It’s the second meeting of the year between the Falcons and Carolina Panthers. Atlanta is in position to sweep this series for the second time in three years. Back in Week 2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Quinn’s team held on for a 31-24 victory. The Falcons own a 5-1 record in this last six meetings between these NFC South rivals.

Draft Talk: The Falcons entered the season as the only team in the conference that had reached the playoffs each of the previous two years. But Quinn’s squad won’t be returning to the postseason despite the win on Sunday. The team will likely look for some defensive depth when it comes to the 2019 NFL Draft.

21: GREEN BAY PACKERS 5-8-1

Last week: L, 24-17 at CHI
Last rank: 20th

Recap: A week ago at Lambeau Field, the Packers rolled the Atlanta Falcons. Now Aaron Rodgers and company made their way to Soldier Field, where the team had won eight consecutive games dating back to a victory in the 2010 NFC title game. Of course, they would also be facing a Chicago Bears’ defense that humbled the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday night in the Windy City. Joe Philbin’s team would have to dig out of a 14-3 halftime deficit and managed to tie the score in the third quarter. But Rodgers would be sacked five times and held without a touchdown pass. And he also served up his second interception of 2018 off an errant throw to Jimmy Graham.

Next Week: The Packers are on the road for the second consecutive week as they head to East Rutherford, New Jersey to take on the New York Jets. The teams last met four years ago at Lambeau Field and the home team came away with a 31-24 win. Green Bay also prevailed in the last road tilt in this setting (9-0) in 2010.

Draft Talk: For the first time since the 2005 and ’06 seasons, the Packers will miss the playoffs two straight years. And for the first time since the 1990 and ’91 campaigns, the club will post back-to-back losing seasons. It is little solace, but general manager Brian Gutekunst will have a pair of first-round draft choices at his disposal in ’19.

20: DENVER BRONCOS 6-8

Last week: L, 17-16 vs CLE
Last rank: 18th

Recap: The Broncos saw their three-game winning streak snapped a week ago at San Francisco. Now Vance Joseph’s club look to get back to the .500 mark and keep its slim playoff hopes alive as they hosted the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. The Denver offense managed only 270 total yards on the evening and after reaching the end zone once in the first quarter was limited to three field goals the remainder of the game. Quarterback Case Keenum threw for 257 yards but was picked off twice. And the Broncos’ running game was limited to just 32 yards on 20 plays by the Cleveland defense.

Next Week: It’s a Monday night visit to the Bay Area as Joseph’s club squares off with the Oakland Raiders for the second time this season. Way back in Week 2 at Denver, the Broncos rallied from a 19-7 third-quarter deficit for a 20-19 win and the team are in position to sweep this always-intense rivalry for the first time since 2014.

Draft Talk: The home loss on Saturday combined with the Tennessee Titans win over the New York Giants one day later meant the Broncos would miss the playoffs for a third straight year. This is a team that needs some help in the secondary and could also look at a wide receiver early in April’s draft.

19: WASHINGTON REDSKINS 7-7

Last week: W, 16-13 at JAC
Last rank: 22nd

Recap: Losers of four consecutive games after a 6-3 start, the slumping Washington Redskins made their way south to Jacksonville to take on a Jaguars’ team that was embarrassed more than a week ago at Nashville. Josh Johnson would get the start at quarterback for Jay Gruden’s squad and he and the offense were kept under wraps for the vast majority of the afternoon. But the ‘Skins rolled up 104 of their 245 total yards in the final stages of the fourth quarter, as Johnson found tight end Jeremy Sprinkle for a six-yards touchdown and Dustin Hopkins booted a 36-yard field goal on the last play of the game to end Washington’s slump.

Next Week: It’s a Saturday afternoon trip to Nashville for Gruden’s team, who will face the Tennessee Titans for the first time since 2014. The franchises have split 12 previous meetings in a series that dates back to 1971. Washington has prevailed in three of the last four clashes dating back to ’02, including two straight at Tennessee.

Playoff hopes: With the Cowboys losing at Indianapolis, the Redskins still have a chance to win the NFC East despite their recent issues. It was an ugly win on Sunday but the club is just one game behind Dallas for the top spot in the division. And stranger things have certainly happened down the stretch in this league.

18: CAROLINA PANTHERS 6-8

Last week: MNF vs NO
Last rank: 19th

Recap: Cam Newton has some extra motivation this Monday night as he felt disrespected by Cam Jordan of the New Orleans Saints. After the Saints swept Newton and the Carolina Panthers, the New Orleans edge rusher sent a bottle of wine and a broom to Newton. And Newton plans to send the “disrespectful” gift back.

It was a good thing Newton added it was all in fun because he’s never shied away from stepping on other player’s feelings. During the 2015 season when the Panthers went 15-1, Newton addressed the issue of people taking exception to his dancing. Some considered it showboating, but Newton said if they don’t like it, they need to keep him out of the end zone.

So, if the Panthers don’t like getting bottles of wine and a broom when they get swept, then they need to win their games. Monday night is a chance for them to do just that. Then in two more weeks, they face the Saints again.

Should they win both games, the Saints could lose out on the No. 1 seed and then Newton would be more than happy to return the gifts.

Next Week: The Panthers will square off at home with a divisional rival for the second time in seven days as they host the Falcons. Three months ago at Atlanta, Carolina came up short via a 31-24 score. But Rivera’s team owns a 4-2 home record in this setting dating back to 2012, including a 20-17 victory a year ago in Week 9.

Playoff hopes: Rivera’s club is still in the wild card mix as the team prepares to close out 2018 with three straight games vs. their NFC South rivals. That’s a pair with the Saints sandwiching a trip to Atlanta. It has to start with a win on Monday night against a team that defeated them three times in 2017.

17: MIAMI DOLPHINS 7-7

Last week: L, 41-17 at MIN
Last rank: 14th

Recap: Off that rousing last-second win over the New England Patriots, Adam Gase took his team north to the Twin Cities to take on the struggling Minnesota Vikings. And the Dolphins continued to show why they may be the league’s most unpredictable team. Before you could say lateral, the club was down 21-0 after one quarter and the Miami defense couldn’t stop the Purple Gang on the ground. A pick-six by rookie cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick jumpstarted the team and by the third quarter the deficit had been cut to four games. But the Vikings scored the final 20 points of the game and it was another lopsided loss for Gase’s squad.

Next Week: The Dolphins play host to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the first time since 2012. Including a forgettable 62-7 playoff loss by Miami in 1999, the teams will be facing each other for only the ninth time dating back to the start of this series in ’98. And this marks only the third time the Dolphins will host this series.

Playoff hopes: With the Patriots falling for a second straight Sunday, the ‘Fins have not yet been mathematically eliminated from winning the AFC East. But with the Colts, Titans and Ravens all coming up with wins, the club’s playoff chances took a real dip. Miami’s best option in terms of the postseason would be winning a division title.

16: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 7-7

Last week: W, 30-23 at LAR
Last rank: 16th

Recap: There would be no Carson Wentz for the Eagles this week as the team opted to sit him against the Rams. In fact, reports indicated that the three-year pro might be done for the remainder of the regular season. So it was Nick Foles to the rescue in a prime time with the NFC West champions. And the veteran signal-caller responded with 270 yards through the air (1 interception), hitting on 24-of-31 throws. But it was the Philadelphia running game that frustrated the Rams’ defense as Wendell Smallwood accounted for 10 carries for 48 yards and two touchdowns. And the Birds came up with three Los Angeles’ turnovers in a surprising victory.

Next Week: The Eagles will play host to the 10-4 Houston Texans. It will mark just the fifth meeting between these interconference foes and Philadelphia owns a perfect 4-0 record in this series that dates back to 2002. The Birds are 2-1 vs. the AFC South this season, with wins over the Colts and Jaguars and an overtime loss to the Titans.

Playoff hopes: The defending Super Bowl champions have already lost more than twice as many games as they did a year ago. But lo and behold, the Birds still have life when it comes to getting back to the postseason. Pederson’s club will need some help the final two weeks but never count out the champs until officially dethroned.

15: CLEVELAND BROWNS 6-7-1

Last week: W, 17-16 at DEN
Last rank: 17th

Recap: The Browns were coming off a week in which they were the only team in the AFC North to notch a victory. And that meant the club was still alive for a playoff spot as they clashed with the Denver Broncos in the Mile High City on Saturday night. It was far from a perfect night for rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield, who hit on only 18-of-31 throws for 188 yards and committed both of the team’s turnovers in the contest. But he also threw for two scores. Meanwhile, Nick Chubb ran 20 times for 100 yards. But what a game for safety Jabrill Peppers. He finished with six stops, one interception and the game-clinching sack of Broncos’ quarterback Case Keenum.

Next Week: Thanks to a 35-20 victory at Cincinnati earlier this season (which enabled the Browns to snap a 25-game road losing streak); Cleveland is in position to sweep the Bengals for the first time since 2002. But the Browns have also dropped four straight road games in this AFC North rivalry dating back to 2014.

Playoff hopes: Speaking of ’02, that was the last time that this franchise reached the postseason. And it’s been quite the turnaround the last month or so for this club, with head coach Gregg Williams deserving his share of praise. All told, these confident Browns remain very much alive when it comes to the playoffs.

14: DALLAS COWBOYS 8-6

Last week: L, 23-0 at IND
Last rank: 11th

Recap: Winners of five consecutive games after a 3-5 start, the surging Cowboys headed north to Indianapolis to face a Colts’ team that had won six of its next seven games after opening the year 1-5. Jason Garrett’s club would roll up some solid numbers in the first half but still trailed 10-0 at intermission. It really came apart for the club in the third quarter and when it was all said and done, Dallas would be blanked and limited to 292 total yards. Dak Prescott was sacked three times and both he and running back Ezekiel Elliott turned over the football once. And the Cowboys’ defense allowed 178 yards rushing and didn’t sack Colts’ quarterback Andrew Luck.

Next Week: Garrett’s team will try and rebound from a humbling afternoon at Indianapolis as they take on the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s the second meeting in three years between the clubs in three years, with Dallas coming away with a 26-20 prime time victory in 2016 at AT&T Stadium in the clubs’ last encounter.

Playoff hopes: So much for wrapping up the NFC East. But Garrett’s team can still do that by winning next week at home against the Buccaneers. Despite Sunday’s debacle at Indianapolis, the Cowboys are still a first-place team and have shown enough in recent weeks that they could still be a very dangerous club.

13: TENNESSEE TITANS 8-6

Last week: W, 17-0 at NYG
Last rank: 15th

Recap: Mike Vrabel’s team had a little extra time to prepare for their first meeting with the New York Giants since 2014. And the weather in East Rutherford, New Jersey, was certainly a factor in this game. But running back Derrick Henry was the perfect workhorse for the conditions and he responded with another huge outing. The 2015 Heisman Trophy winner totaled 33 attempts for 170 yards and a pair of one-yard scores. Quarterback Marcus Mariota and the passing game took a big-time back seat as the Titans finished with 215 yards on the ground on 45 running plays. And the defense held the Giants to 260 yards and zero points.

Next Week: The Titans host the Washington Redskins on Saturday afternoon. It’s the first meeting between these interconference foes since 2014, when Tennessee fell short, 19-17, at FedExField. The Titans have dropped two straight home games in this setting, the latest a 19-16 overtime setback in ’10.

Playoff hopes: After humbling back-to-back losses to the Colts and Texans, Vrabel’s club has gotten itself right back in the playoff mix thanks to three consecutive victories. The team still needs some help if it’s going to get back to the playoffs. But the Titans have seemingly righted the ship after a few shaky performances.

12: BALTIMORE RAVENS 8-6

Last week: W, 20-12 vs TB
Last rank: 13th

Recap: Last Sunday, John Harbaugh’s team saw its brief three-game winning streak snapped at Arrowhead Stadium in overtime. Now the club would host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the first time since 2010. And the Ravens’ ground attack was once again the big story when it came to this club as running back Gus Edwards (19-104-1 touchdown) and quarterback Lamar Jackson (18-95) combined for 37 of the club’s 49 running plays and 199 of Baltimore’s 242 rushing yards. The Ravens did commit a pair of turnovers but were able to overcome these miscues. Meanwhile, Harbaugh’s defense limited the Bucs to 241 total yards.

Next Week: Harbaugh’s club heads to the City of Angels to face the postseason-bound Los Angeles Chargers. The clubs last met in 2015 when the Ravens came away with a 29-26 home victory. Their last road tilt in this series came in 2012 when Baltimore came away with an 16-13 overtime in at San Diego.

Playoff hopes: The Ravens have won four of their last five games and own a 6-4 record within the conference. They are on course to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2014. But they have their work cut out for them down the stretch. Baltimore is also still very much in play to win the AFC North as well.

11: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 8-6

Last week: L, 26-23 at SF (OT)
Last rank: 10th

Recap: A funny thing happened on the way to the Seahawks on their way to what many figured would be an 11th straight win over the struggling San Francisco 49ers. Pete Carroll’s club got on the board first via a Russell Wilson five-yard TD pass to Doug Baldwin. But Sebastian Janikowski would miss the extra point and on the next play, Niners’ speedster Richie James returned the ensuing kickoff 97 yards and put the Niners ahead. The Seahawks came back to tie the game on two occasions but was never unable to recapture the lead. Despite 119 rushing yards (1 touchdown) from Chris Carson, Seattle suffered its first loss in its last five games.

Next Week: Carroll’s club is back on the prime time stage and host the playoff-bound Kansas City Chiefs. These franchises used to be division rivals in the AFC West but all of that changed with realignment in 2002. And it’s worth noting that the ‘Hawks have dropped three straight in this series dating back to ’06.

Playoff hopes: The Seahawks could have wrapped up a playoff berth with a win on Sunday. Instead, the team surprisingly stumbled and their suspect defense cost them in a big way. The club is still on course to reach the postseason for the sixth time in seven years but it suddenly doesn’t look so easy.

10: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 8-6

Last week: W, 23-0 vs DAL
Last rank: 12th

Recap: A week ago, Frank Reich’s club knocked off the hottest team in the league by going into Houston and ending the Texans nine-game winning streak. So could the Colts do the same to the other team from the Lone Star State and cool off the hot Dallas Cowboys, winners of their last five outings? Indianapolis played arguably its most complete game of the season and two weeks after being blanked at Jacksonville, the Colts pitched a shutout of their own. Linebacker Darius Leonard had another huge outing with 11 tackles while knocking down two passes. And Andrew Luck took a back seat to running back Marlon Mack, who ran for 139 yards and two scores.

Next Week: Reich’s squad takes on an NFC East opponent at home for the second consecutive week as the New York Giants make their first appearance at Indianapolis since 2010. The Colts own a three-game winning streak vs. Big Blue dating back to ‘06, including a 38-14 Sunday night victory in 2010 when last they hosted this series.

Playoff hopes: “Stayin’ Alive” seems to be the theme for these Colts (just ask the people making the music decisions at Lucas Oil Stadium). But when it comes to reaching the playoffs, the club may need a little help down the stretch. Regardless of what the future holds, this is an impressive football team.

9: PITTSBURGH STEELERS 8-5-1

Last week: W, 17-10 vs NE
Last rank: 9th

Recap: Losers of three straight games heading into their clash with the New England Patriots, the Steelers were looking to snap a five-game overall skid in the series. A year ago in Week 15, New England came into Heinz Field and handed Mike Tomlin’s team a tough 27-24 setback. But it would be the Pittsburgh running game and defense that would step to the forefront in a crucial win. Rookie Jaylon Samuels carried 19 times for 142 yards and for the first time in five games, the Steelers ran the football at least 20 times. Keith Butler’s defense came up big in crucial moments and held the Pats out of the end zone the final three quarters of the game.

Next Week: Tomlin and company head south to the Big Easy for the first time in eight years as the team takes on the New Orleans Saints for the first time since 2014. That latest meeting resulted in a 35-32 loss at Heinz Field. As for the clubs’ last encounter, the Saints came up with a 20-10 Sunday night win in ‘14 at the Superdome.

Playoff hopes: With the Ravens, Colts and Titans all winning on Sunday, the pressure was really on Tomlin’s club to come up big and it responded. The Steelers still have some work to do if they are going to hold off Baltimore in the AFC North. But a win next week and a Ravens’ loss gives Pittsburgh the division title.

8: MINNESOTA VIKINGS 7-6-1

Last week: W, 41-17 vs MIA
Last rank: 8th

Recap: With Monday night’s disappointing 21-7 loss at Seattle in which the team didn’t reach the end zone until 1:10 remaining in the game, the club opted to part ways with offensive coordinator John DeFilippo. Now Mike Zimmer’s club took aim at the visiting Miami Dolphins and the team jumped out to an early 21-0 leads thanks to a 13-yard scoring pass from Kirk Cousins to Stefon Diggs and touchdown runs by Dalvin Cook (13 yards) and Latavius Murray (18 yards). Cook finished with 136 yards and two scores and the club wound up with 220 yards on the ground on 40 attempts. And Dolphins’ quarterback Ryan Tannehill was sacked nine times.

Next Week: It’s a trip to the Motor City for the Vikings, who are in position to sweep the Detroit Lions for the first time since 2012. Back in Week 9 at Minnesota, Zimmer’s team held the Men from Motown without a touchdown and sacked Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford 10 times in a comfortable 24-9 triumph.

Playoff hopes: The Purple Gang is back above .500 and right in the mix with numerous teams. And it didn’t hurt that the Cowboys and Seahawks wound up losing on Sunday. There will be no second straight division title for the Vikings, who need to keep winning and if they are to wrap up one of those wild card invitations.

7: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 9-5

Last week: L, 17-10 at PIT
Last rank: 6th

Recap: Stunned on the final play of the game last week at Miami, Bill Belichick’s team was looking to rebound against a Pittsburgh Steelers’ team that they have had their way with in recent seasons. But the Patriots reached the end zone just once all afternoon and that was on a first-quarter 63-yard TD pass from Tom Brady to Chris Hogan. Once again, New England’s defense struggled to stop the run as the Steelers gashed Belichick’s defense for 158 yards on the ground on 25 attempts. Safety Duron Harmon picked off Ben Roethlisberger twice but the team really failed to take advantage of those miscues and finished with a 3-5 road record this season.

Next Week: The Patriots look to continue their incredible success against the Bills as these clubs meet for the second time this season. Back when a Monday night in Week 8 at Orchard Park, New England came away with an ugly 25-6 win. Dating back to 2000, the Patriots now own a stunning 32-5 record in this AFC East rivalry.

Playoff hopes: Make it two straight losses for Belichick’s team for the second time in 2018. And now the Patriots find themselves in a tricky spot when it comes to securing one of those top two seeds in the AFC. Still, perplexing New England can grab the AFC East with a win over the Bills or a Dolphins’ loss in Week 16.

6: HOUSTON TEXANS 10-4

Last week: W, 29-22 at NYJ
Last rank: 5th

Recap: Bill O’Brien’s squad saw its nine-game winning streak snapped at home last week by the Indianapolis Colts. Now the AFC South leaders headed north to MetLife Stadium to take on the Jets in a Saturday afternoon affair. The Texans owned a 16-9 edge at halftime but were outgained in the first 30 minutes of play. The Jets took a 22-19 lead with five minutes to play before quarterback Deshaun Watson (sacked 6 times in the game) connected with DeAndre Hopkins for a 14-yard score with 2:15 on the clock. The talented pass-catcher totaled 10 grabs for 170 yards and scored two touchdowns.  Meanwhile, Ka’imi Fairbairn hit on all five of his field goal attempts.

Next Week: O’Brien’s squad heads north to the land of cheese steaks for the first time since 2010 as the Texans and Philadelphia Eagles clash for only the fifth time. And this franchise will be looking for its first ever win in this short-lived series that dates back to ’02 as Philadelphia owns 4-0 edge in the lifetime standings

Playoff hopes: The Texans could have wrapped up a playoff berth with a loss by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Alas, it was not meant to be. But a win next Sunday at Philadelphia gives the team the AFC South title for the third time in four years. And the team is certainly in the mix for one of the top two playoff seeds in the conference.

5: LOS ANGELES RAMS 11-3

Last week: L, 30-23 vs PHI
Last rank: 2nd

Recap: Sean McVay’s division champions were humbled a week ago on Sunday night in the Windy City. Now Jared Goff and the Rams looked to rebound against the disappointing Philadelphia Eagles at the L.A. Coliseum in prime time. But the Los Angeles’ defense continued to have its issues and once again struggled to stop an opponent on the ground. And before you knew it, the team had dug itself a 30-13 hole. The club would rally and narrow the deficit to seven points and quarterback Jared Goff and company had an opportunity to force overtime or even win it. But the third-year signal-caller, picked off twice in the game, came up short in club’s first home loss of 2018.

Next Week: The Rams make the way slightly south to the desert to face the division rival Arizona Cardinals for the second time this season. Back in Week 2 at Los Angeles, McVay’s club rolled to a 34-0 win. It marked the second time in the teams’ last three meetings between the clubs that the Rams had pitched a shutout.

Playoff hopes: Despite two straight losses, the Rams are still in the driver’s seat when it comes to getting one of the top two playoff seeds in the NFC. But back-to-back setbacks to the Bears and Eagles may wind up putting a big crimp in the plans in terms of home field advantage. The team will be rooting for the Panthers Monday night.

4: CHICAGO BEARS 10-4

Last week: W, 24-17 vs GB
Last rank: 7th

Recap: Back in Week 1 on a Sunday night at Lambeau Field, the Bears let one get away against the Green Bay Packers. Now the team was not only in position to get revenge for that 24-23 loss, a victory over Aaron Rodgers and his team would give Chicago its first NFC North title since 2010. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky wound up being very efficient, hitting on 20-of-28 passes for 235 yards and two scores without a touchdown. Jordan Howard added 19 carries for 60 yards and Tarik Cohen made his presence felt on offense and special teams. But it was a day for the Bears’ defense, who sacked Rodgers five times and picked him off in the end zone late in the game.

Next Week: The Bears make their way to San Francisco for the first time since 2014 as the team clashes with the 49ers for the fifth straight year. A season ago at Soldier Field (Week 13), one-time Bears’/current Niners’ kicker Robbie Gould connected on five field goals and the 49ers handed Chicago a 15-14 loss.

Playoff hopes: Perhaps it was only fitting that the Bears wrapped up their first division title since 2010 with a win over a team that had been the club’s biggest albatross for far too long. Chicago’s NFC North title also puts the team in the playoffs for the first time since ’10 and ends a four-year streak of last-place finishes for the club.

3: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 11-3

Last week: L, 29-28 vs LAC
Last rank: 3rd

Recap: The talented Chiefs could wrap up the AFC West with a prime time win over the visiting Los Angeles Chargers. Kansas City had taken the last nine games in this series dating back to 2014. And that stretch of success looked like it would continue as Andy Reid’s squad owned a 28-14 lead 8:15 remaining in the game. But the much-maligned Kansas City defense – which surrendered 407 total yards in the one-point setback – couldn’t hold down the determined Chargers, who rallied for 15 unanswered points and scored the game-winning touchdown with four seconds to play. Kansas City’s ground attack, minus Spencer Ware, managed only 60 yards on 17 attempts.

Next Week: The Chiefs have a little extra time to get ready for their next game as they head to the Pacific Northwest and take on the revitalized Seattle Seahawks. These one-time AFC West rivals will meet for only the fifth time since 2002. In the teams’ last meeting, Kansas City came away with 24-20 home victory in 2014.

Playoff hopes: The Chiefs had an opportunity to clinch the AFC West and a first-round bye on Thursday night and didn’t get the job done. Reid’s club is headed to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. And a win at Seattle paired with a Chargers’ loss gives them the division title and one of the top two seeds in the conference.

2: LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 11-3

Last week: W, 29-28 at KC
Last rank: 6th

Recap: The Chargers arrived at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night looking to end their nine-game losing streak to the Chiefs. Anthony Lynn’s club would be down running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler and during the course of the game would lose Keenan Allen as well. And when the Bolts fell behind by 14 points midway through the fourth quarter, it looked like the club would be swept by the Chiefs again. But Philip Rivers overcame five sacks and two interceptions to throw for 313 yards and two scores. Both scoring tosses went to wide receiver Mike Williams, who also ran 19 yards for a touchdown and caught the game-winning two-point conversion attempt.

Next Week: The 11-3 Chargers will take a four-game winning streak into their Saturday clash with the visiting Baltimore Ravens. The teams meet for the first time since 2015 when the Bolts fell on the road, 29-26. This marks the first time the Chargers host this series since 2012 – when the team up short in overtime, 16-13, at San Diego.

Playoff hopes: The Bolts are headed to the postseason for the first time since 2013. But can Lynn’s club capture the AFC West for the first time since ‘09? The team is riding a four-game winning streak and the Chargers own a 6-1 road mark, including wins at Seattle, Pittsburgh and Kansas City. A dangerous football indeed.

1: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 11-2

Last week: MNF at CAR
Last rank: 1st

Recap: Last season, the New Orleans Saints won the NFC South and it went down to the wire as they were joined by the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons in the playoffs. This year, they won it again but did so with ease as the second-place team entering Week 15 was the Panthers — who will host the Saints on Monday Night Football.

Not only do the Saints have the division won, but they can make sure they’re the only team with a winning record in the South with a win over the Panthers this week. They have another shot of that in Week 17 as they close out the year with this same team.

That one could end up being for more than just bragging rights though as the Saints are in a tight race with the Los Angeles Rams for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. They have the head-to-head tiebreaker, so they’re controlling their own destiny. Win, and the road to the Super Bowl goes through them. Lose just once and things could get dicey.

There’s no reason to bet against them though as the Saints have been rising to the occasion all season long. Led by MVP candidate Drew Brees, they’ve been one of the best overall teams in the league and can remind the world of that with all eyes on them during the ESPN Monday Night showdown.

Next Week: It could be a really interesting afternoon at the Superdome as the Saints welcome the 8-5-1 Pittsburgh Steelers to the Big Easy for the first time since 2010. That season, New Orleans came up with a 20-10 win. Four year ago at Heinz Field, the Saints outlasted Ben Roethlisberger and company, 35-32.

Playoff hopes: The Saints are back-to-back division champions for the first time in the franchise’s 52-year history. And since opening the 2017 with a pair of losses, this club is an imposing 22-5 in its last 27 regular-season outings. If they can wrap up the top seed in the conference, they will be a very tough out in the postseason.