MY NEW NFL POWER RANKINGS FOR WEEK 14
TEXANS RISE,
PACKERS FADE
A number of long winning streaks bit the dust. And the first of eight
division titles was clinched. Meanwhile, there was a change atop the power
rankings.
32: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 2-10
Last week: W/L, 43-16 at SEA
Last rank: 32nd
Recap: Regardless of the venue, the 49ers have
not fared well in recent seasons against the Seahawks. Dating back to the
teams’ meeting in the 2013 NFC Championship Game, San Francisco took a
nine-game losing streak in the series into Sunday afternoon’s clash with Pete
Carroll’s club. Including the postseason, the Niners had also dropped seven
straight at Seattle dating back to 2012. And nothing changed this time around
as the 49ers’ defense had zero answers for Russell Wilson and the Seattle
offense. Robert Saleh’s unit gave up a respectable 331 total yards. But this
group also gave up four scores through the air and 168 yards on the ground.
Next Week: The Niners host the Denver Broncos at
San Francisco for the first time since 2002 (the teams played in London in
2010). Including the 49ers’ 55-10 win in Super Bowl XXIV, the franchises have
split their previous 14 meetings. As for the teams’ last clash, the Niners took
it on the chin on a Sunday night at Denver, 42-17, in 2014.
Playoff hopes: It’s a fourth consecutive
double-digit loss season for the franchise that was in three consecutive NFC
title games from 2011-13. Since then, the 49ers are an astounding 30 games
under the .500 mark (23-53) and are on course to finish last in the NFC West
for the fourth straight year.
31: NEW YORK JETS 3-9
Last week: L, 26-22 at TEN
Last rank: 29th
Recap: The slumping Jets were looking to rebound
from a fifth consecutive loss as they made their way south to Nashville to face
the perplexing Titans. And things got off to a good start for Todd Bowles’
struggling club as cornerback Trumaine Johnson picked off Marcus Mariota and
returned the theft 31 yards for a touchdown. It was among the plays that
enabled the club to build a 16-0 second-quarter lead. But the Jets’ offense
failed to reach the end zone all afternoon and totaled only 280 yards on 65
plays. And settling for field goals throughout the game helped the Titans hang
around and eventually steal the game.
Next Week: Less than a month after being humbled
at home by Sean McDermott’s team, the Jets head to Orchard Park for a rematch
with the Bills. Bowles’ club was rolled by a 41-10 score at MetLife Stadium in
Week 11. All told, the Jets have dropped five straight divisional games dating
back to last season – including all four this year.
Playoff hopes: Six consecutive losses means
another losing campaign for a team that hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2010
and is now a horrendous 13-31 since 2016 – the year after Bowles led the club to
a 10-6 record. The real question now is whether promising rookie quarterback
Sam Darnold will play again in 2018.
30: OAKLAND RAIDERS 2-10
Last week: L, 40-33 vs KC
Last rank: 30th
Recap: The Raiders returned home to face their
longtime rivals from Kansas City for the first of two meetings this season. And
for only the second time in 12 games this year, Jon Gruden’s club scored at
least 30 points. But that doesn’t mean Oakland’s defense was up to the task.
The visiting Chiefs rolled up 469 total yards, with 174 of those on the ground.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes riddled the Raiders’ defense for 295 yards and four
scores and was not sacked despite dropping back 38 times. Derek Carr did finish
with 285 yards and three touchdowns and Oakland racked up 442 yards of its own.
But once again, it wasn’t enough.
Next Week: The Raiders host the Pittsburgh
Steelers for the 1st time since 2013 in a game that was originally scheduled
for prime time. The teams last met in 2015 at Heinz Field and the results were
a thrilling 38-35 win by the home team. But the Silver and Black is 4-2 in this
series dating back to ‘06.
Playoff hopes: For the 12th time in 16 seasons
dating back to 2003, the Silver and Black have lost at least 10 games. This is
a franchise that is now 8-20 since reaching the playoffs in 2016. It’s going to
be an interesting offseason for Gruden and company. And hopefully a lot more
successful than this current campaign.
29: DETROIT LIONS 4-8
Last week: L, 30-16 vs LAR
Last rank: 26th
Recap: The Lions and visiting Los Angeles Rams
were tied 3-3 early in the second quarter. But slowly but surely, the
newly-crowned NFC West champions took control of the contest. And while Matt
Patricia’s club was never really out of these contests, they never did catch up
after falling behind 10-3 in the second quarter. The Detroit defense allowed
the Rams to run for 149 yards. And while the team did make life uncomfortable
for quarterback Jared Goff – sacking him twice and forcing him into a pair of
turnovers – quarterback Matthew Stafford made two mistakes of his own and the
club settled for one touchdown and three field goals.
Next Week: The Lions make their way to the
desert for the first time since 2014 as they renew acquaintances with the
Arizona Cardinals. This will mark the sixth time these team have squared off in
seven seasons dating back to 2012, with Detroit coming away with a 35-23 home
win a year ago (Week 1).
Playoff hopes: Patricia’s team remains a mystery
and a disappointment considering the potential this club has shown at times
during the season. The defense continues to disappear at inopportune times and
Stafford and company have struggled with consistency. It’s added up to five
losses in six games after a 3-3 start.
28: ARIZONA CARDINALS 3-9
Last week: W, 20-17 at GB
Last rank: 31st
Recap: The Cardinals entered Sunday’s clash with
the Packers at Lambeau Field with only two wins – both of those at the expense
of the San Francisco 49ers. But that would change as the team walked out of
Green Bay with a stunning victory. The Arizona ground attack took advantage of
the Packers’ shaky defense and rolled up 182 yards on 29 attempts, with rookie
Chase Edmonds running for two scores. Quarterback Josh Rosen completed less
than 50 percent of his passes (11-of-26) but he and the team played
turnover-free football. And the Cards’ much-maligned defense limited the Pack’s
attack to just 3-of-14 on third down.
Next Week: Big Red plays host to the Detroit
Lions as these clubs square off for the sixth time in seven seasons dating back
to 2012. A year ago, Arizona saw its seven-game losing streak in this series
snapped via a 35-23 loss at Ford Field in Week 1. The Cardinals have won eight
straight home games in this rivalry dating back to ’99.
Playoff hopes: The Cardinals came up with one of
the more surprising results of the season and managed to avoid a 10th loss. The
last time the franchise totaled double digits in the loss column was 2012, the
year before now former head coach Bruce Arians arrived in the desert. Can
Wilks’ club build on this upset?
27: NEW YORK GIANTS 4-8
Last week: W, 30-27 vs CHI (OT)
Last rank: 28th
Recap: Pat Shurmur’s club looked to bounce back
from last year’s disastrous second half at Philadelphia and hoped to end the
Chicago Bears’ five-game winning streak. And thanks to some opportunistic
defense and a little razzle dazzle, New York won for the third time in its last
four outings. Linebacker Alec Ogletree had a pair of interceptions, one of
those returned 28 yards for a touchdown for the first score of the game. Odell
Beckham Jr. caught one TD pass and threw another to teammate Russell Shepard.
And running back Saquon Barkley continues his big rookie year, running 24 times
for 125 yards in the upset victory.
Next Week: The Giants take a winless divisional
record (0-4) into their appearance at FedExField to face a Redskins’ team that
defeated them earlier this season, 20-13, in Week 8 at East Rutherford. A year
ago on Thanksgiving night, New York fell at Washington, 20-10. Big Blue is 2-4
in its last six meetings in this rivalry.
Playoff hopes: There was talk this past week
that Eli Manning could return as the team’s starting quarterback in 2019. What
effect that has on this team for the remainder of this season is anyone’s
guess. But this is a team playing better football as of late. And it’s more
than capable of making a few teams nervous down the stretch.
26: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 4-8
Last week: W, 6-0 vs IND
Last rank: 27th
Recap: The aftermath of last week’s loss to the
Buffalo saw offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett lose his job and backup
quarterback Cody Kessler was elevated to starter in place of Blake Bortles.
Then add in the fact that running back Leonard Fournette would be serving a
one-game suspension for last week’s altercation with Shaq Lawson and Doug
Marrone’s team would be hard-pressed to snap its seven-game losing streak. But
it was a big day for the Jacksonville defense, which cooled off Colts’
quarterback Andrew Luck by sacking him three times while pitching the shutout.
It was also the Jaguars’ first divisional win of 2018.
Next Week: The Jaguars have a short week and
face another divisional foe when they travel to Nashville and battle the
Tennessee Titans on Thursday night. Back in Week 3 at Jacksonville, Marrone’s
club came up short, 9-6. All told, the Jaguars have dropped three straight and
are 1-5 in their last six games in this series.
Playoff hopes: Despite the team’s first victory
since Week 4, Jacksonville was officially eliminated from repeating as AFC
South champions as the Houston Texans remained hot. Marrone’s team still has a
few weeks to play spoiler in the conference but this talented club dug itself
too big of a whole this season.
25: CINCINNATI BENGALS 5-7
Last week: L, 24-10 vs DEN
Last rank: 22nd
Recap: Last week, quarterback Andy Dalton didn’t
see the end of the team’s home loss to the Cleveland Browns. Last Monday, the
seven-year pro was placed on injured reserve with a thumb injury. That means
Jeff Driskel would make his first NFL start and he wound up throwing for 236
yards and a touchdowns. But he was also sacked four times and had two of the
team’s three turnovers. The Bengals also rolled up a respectable 111 yards
rushing on 23 carries. But the much-maligned Cincinnati defense surrendered a
whopping 218 yards on the ground. And that’s been the story for a team that
looked like a great story early in 2018.
Next Week: The Bengals head west to Los Angeles
to battle the talented Chargers. It’s the teams’ first meeting since 2015, when
Cincinnati came up with a 24-19 home win. Including a postseason clash in ’13,
Lewis’ team is 4-1 in this setting dating back to 2010. But that lone loss came
in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
Playoff hopes: From a 4-1 start to a current
four-game losing streak, who knows what the future holds for a team that is
closer to the AFC North basement than the top spot. There weren’t a lot of
expectations for this club entering 2018, but the team has fallen apart in a
big way after a promising beginning.
24: BUFFALO BILLS 4-8
Last week: L, 21-17 at MIA
Last rank: 24th
Recap: Off two consecutive wins, Sean
McDermott’s squad headed to South Florida to face a team that they swept a year
ago. And rookie quarterback Josh Allen was the focus of the offense in many
ways. He ran nine times for 135 yards. He threw for 231 yards and two scores
(both to Zay Jones) but was also picked off twice. The Buffalo defense did its
share, limiting the host Dolphins to 175 total yards. There were also three
sacks of Ryan Tannehill, as well as an interception. But McDermott’s club also
gave up three scores through the air. Although these Bills have been blown out
numerous times this season, this may have been the team’s most costly setback.
Next Week: Back in Week 10 at MetLife Stadium,
McDermott’s club manhandled the New York Jets, 41-10. Now the Bills are in
position to sweep this divisional series for the third time in five years
dating back to 2014. All told, Buffalo has now prevailed in seven of the last
10 meetings in this longtime AFC East rivalry.
Playoff hopes: The team’s postseason hopes,
however slim, took a huge hit with the divisional loss to the Dolphins. At
time, this is an intriguing team that has certainly made strides after a
horrendous start. But the Bills are still missing some crucial pieces,
especially when it comes to helping out their rookie signal-caller.
23: ATLANTA FALCONS 4-8
Last week: L, 26-16 vs BAL
Last rank: 23rd
Recap: Losers of three straight games, the
disappointing Falcons hosted the new-look Baltimore Ravens and rookie quarterback
Lamar Jackson. But it was Atlanta’s offense that looked green on this afternoon
as Matt Ryan and the team’s usually-potent attack didn’t reach the end zone
until the fourth quarter. And an offense that was the strength of the team
early this season has struggled badly as of late. Dan Quinn’s club managed only
131 yards and had the football for only 20:21 of the game. And the battered
Atlanta defense had no answers for a Ravens’ running game that racked up 207
yards on 49 attempts.
Next Week: The streaky Falcons make their way
north to Lambeau Field for the first time since 2014 to take on the
disappointing Green Bay Packers. Including their lopsided 44-21 victory in the
2016 NFC title game, Quinn’s team has won the last three meetings – albeit all
of those in their own building(s).
Playoff hopes: The streaky Falcons continue to
defy logic. The club has dropped four straight games, this after a three-game
winning streak. And that was preceded by a three-game skid. Suddenly the only
NFC team to reach the playoffs each of the past two years is all alone in last
place in their division.
22: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 5-7
Last week: W, 24-17 vs CAR
Last rank: 25th
Recap: Dirk Koetter’s team welcomed the rival
Panthers to Tampa looking to avenge a 42-28 loss at Carolina back in Week 9.
And the Buccaneers’ defense came up big in a surprising way. The team had
picked off only three passes in their first 11 games of the season and they
finished the afternoon with four interceptions of Cam Newton – three of those
by safety Andrew Adams. Meanwhile, Bucs’ quarterback Jameis Winston overcame
four sacks and threw for 249 yards and two scores and was not picked off. He
also led the team with 48 yards rushing on five attempts as the team equaled
their win total of a year ago with four weeks to play.
Next Week: Thanks to a 48-40 win in Week 1 at
the Superdome over the New Orleans Saints, the Bucs are in position to sweep
their NFC South rival for the first time since 2007. Tampa Bay has more than
held its own in this series as of late, winning four of the last seven meetings
dating back to 2015.
Playoff hopes: While this doesn’t look like a
team headed to the playoffs, the Buccaneers are climbing up the NFC South
standings as the Panthers and Atlanta Falcons continue to spiral downward. This
team has played better as of late and perhaps a strong finish could wind up
meaning good things for this club in numerous ways.
21: CLEVELAND BROWNS 4-7-1
Last week: L, 29-13 at HOU
Last rank: 21st
Recap: In Week 12, Gregg Williams’ Browns
snapped the franchise’s 25-game road losing streak with a convincing win at
Cincinnati. Could this team make it two in a row away from home and surprise
the red-hot Texans at Houston? By halftime, Baker Mayfield had already been
picked off three times (1 of those returned for a touchdown) and his team
trailed 23-0. The Cleveland offense managed to roll up 428 total yards on the
afternoon. But there would be a total of four turnovers in the loss. And the
Browns’ defense had few answers for a Houston ground attack that racked up 187
yards on 39 attempts.
Next Week: Williams’ improved team returns home
and hosts the formidable Carolina Panthers. All told, it’s just the sixth
meeting between these interconference foes dating back to 1999. When last the
Browns hosted this infrequent series, the team came up with a 24-23 victory in
2010.
Playoff hopes: Despite the loss, the Browns
still have an outside shot at the franchise’s first playoff berth since 2002.
But playing spoilers seems like a much more realistic path for this improved
club. It’s a young club that still makes too many mistakes and they all proved
costly in Sunday’s setback.
20: GREEN BAY PACKERS 4-7-1
Last week: L, 20-17 vs ARI
Last rank: 15th
Recap: It was another frustrating showing for
the team and another loss for a club many felt would be a Super Bowl contender
this year. The Green Bay defense had another rough outings when it came to
stopping the run. But perhaps the most perplexing aspect of the 20-17 setback
to the visiting Cardinals was the fact that in a close game, the Packers ran 74
offensive plays and 51 of them were passes. The lack of balance has been a head
scratcher all season. And following the team’s third consecutive loss and first
at home this season, ESPN’s
Adam Schefter was
among those that announced that head coach Mike McCarthy had been fired.
Next Week: It’s a second straight home game for
the Packers, who welcome the Falcons to Lambeau Field for the first time since
2014. Green Bay has dropped three straight meetings in this series the past two
seasons – all at Atlanta. That includes a 44-21 loss in the 2016 NFC title game
and a 34-23 Sunday night setback in ‘17 (Week 2).
Playoff hopes: The Packers would have to win out
to avoid a second consecutive losing campaign. And this year stings a little
more considering quarterback Aaron Rodgers (injured in Week 1) has been on the
field all season. In any case, there’s a lot to be fixed here if the team is to
contend in a division that they used to own.
19: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 5-6
Last week: MNF vs WAS
Last rank: 20th
Recap: Entering their Monday night encounter
with Washington, it was still had to fathom that Doug Pederson’s team had
already lost twice as many games as a year ago and had yet to come up with
consecutive victories this season. But inconsistency on both sides of the
football, especially in the trenches as well as the Philadelphia secondary,
have put the Birds in a bind. Quarterback Carson Wentz seems to get better
every week but there was that horrendous afternoon at New Orleans. And if not
for a big comeback at home against the Giants last week, who knows where this
team would be. But it is time for these Eagles to show their mettle.
Next Week: Following their clash with the
Redskins, the defending Super Bowl champions have a rematch with the Cowboys,
this time at Arlington. Back in Week 10, the Eagles fell at home on Sunday
night, 27-20. But the Birds are an impressive 6-2 in their last eight road
tilts in the rivalry dating back to 2010.
Playoff hopes: While the Cowboys continue to
win, the Birds have managed to stay within shouting distance in the NFC East.
And the upcoming seven-day stretch vs. Washington (6-5) and at Dallas (7-5)
will likely determine whether Pederson’s team will eventually be in position to
defend its Super Bowl title.
8: MIAMI DOLPHINS 6-6
Last week: W, 21-17 vs BUF
Last rank: 18th
Recap: The unpredictable Dolphins play host to
the Buffalo Bills as these team battle for the first time this year. And with
an offense that managed only 175 total yards and was just 2-of-9 on third down,
it’s hard to believe that this team pulled out a victory. But give credit where
it’s due and Adam Gase’s squad hung in there and made plays when it had to.
While quarterback Josh Allen put up some big numbers both on the ground and
through the air, the ‘Fins also sacked him twice and stole two of his passes.
When it was all said and done, this was a key victory for a team that was swept
by the playoff-bound Bills a season ago.
Next Week: Back in Week 4 at Foxborough, the
then 3-0 Dolphins were handed their first loss of the season and in resounding
fashion by the New England Patriots, 38-7. These longtime rivals meet again in
South Florida, where Miami has fared fairly well in this series (4-1) dating
back to 2013.
Playoff hopes: With the win, the Dolphins are
still very much in the playoff race thanks to a lot of congestion in the AFC.
While upending the Patriots for the division crown is very much a long shot,
the team has had New England’s number in South Florida. And things could get
interesting if Gase’s team can win this Sunday.
17: DENVER BRONCOS 6-6
Last week: W, 24-10 at CIN
Last rank: 19th
Recap: Vance Joseph’s team appeared to be
turning things around after posting consecutive wins over the Chargers and
Steelers. The club made its way to Cincinnati and took care of business very
efficiently as rookie find Phillip Lindsay continued his recent hot play. He
carried 19 times for 157 yards and two touchdowns, one of those a 65-yard
scoring jaunt midway through the third quarter. All told, the Broncos’ ground
attack finished the day with 218 yards on 34 attempts. And the Denver defense
did its share, sacking Bengals’ quarterback Jeff Driskel three times and
forcing him into a pair of turnovers. But the club lost cornerback Chris Harris
to a broken leg.
Next Week: The Broncos head slightly west to the
Bay Area for an encounter with Kyle Shanahan’s San Francisco 49ers. It is the
team’s first appearance at Levi’s Stadium since their 24-10 victory over the
Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. The last time these teams met, the Broncos
rolled to a 42-17 Sunday night win at Denver in 2014.
Playoff hopes: Winners of three consecutive
games, Joseph’s club has gotten itself back in the playoff race. Of course,
this team was already swept by the rival Kansas City Chiefs this year and are
four games back of the AFC West leaders with four weeks to play. There’s hope,
which didn’t appear to be the case a few weeks ago.
16: TENNESSEE TITANS 6-6
Last week: W, 26-22 vs NYJ
Last rank: 16th
Recap: It was a short week for the erratic
Titans, who entered Sunday’s games with the Jets off consecutive losses to the
Colts (38-10) and Texans (34-17) in which the team was outscored a combined
72-27. And Mike Vrabel’s club found itself in a big hole after less than a half
of play as New York jumped out to a 16-0 second-quarter lead. But quarterback
Marcus Mariota and the much-maligned Tennessee offense gathered itself and
finished with 403 total yards. The Titans outscored the Jets 20-6 in the second
half. And the Titans’ defense held the Green and White offensive attack out of
the end zone all afternoon.
Next Week: The Titans will play their second
home game in five days as they clash with the rival Jaguars for the second time
this season. Back in Week 3 at Jacksonville, Vrabel’s club came away with an
ugly 9-6 victory. Hence Tennessee is in position to sweep this AFC South series
for the second consecutive year.
Playoff hopes: There’s a bunch of teams sporting
6-6 records in the AFC. But losses this season to the Dolphins and Colts could
prove costly to Vrabel’s team when it is all said and done. The Titans are as
unpredictable as any team in the NFL these days. But they can still salvage
their season with a second straight playoff appearance.
15: CAROLINA PANTHERS 6-6
Last week: L, 24-17 at TB
Last rank: 10th
Recap: Ron Rivera’s club took a three-game
losing streak into its rematch with the Buccaneers. The Panthers spotted Tampa
an early 10-0 lead were never able to grab the lead in this contest. It was a
forgettable afternoon for quarterback Cam Newton, who threw for 300 yards and
two touchdowns but served up four interceptions. It was another huge outing for
second-year running back Christian McCaffrey, who totaled 161 yards from
scrimmage and one of Newton’s scoring tosses. But Ron Rivera’s team continued
to struggle away from home (1-5) and the losing streak has now reach four for a
club that finished 11-5 a season ago.
Next Week: The Panthers head north to Cleveland
to face an improved Browns’ team in a battle of quarterbacks that were first
overall picks (Cam Newton in 2011 and Baker Mayfield in 2018) in their
respective drafts. This marks just the sixth lifetime encounter between the
clubs dating back to 1999, with Carolina owning a 4-1 advantage.
Playoff hopes: Off to a 6-2 start, the Panthers
appeared on course to reach the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons. And
at the very least, the franchise looked like it was ready to come up with a
second straight winning campaign, which would be a first for this team. But
things have come apart very quickly for Rivera’s club.
14: WASHINGTON
REDSKINS 6-5
Last week: MNF at PHI
Last rank: 14th
Recap: The Redskins have had little margin for
error this season and it has served them well for the most part. But the team
has run into a couple of hot teams in their last two games (Texans and Cowboys)
and the loss of quarterback Alex Smith for the remainder of the season
understandably looms large. Veteran running back Adrian Peterson has been a
pleasant surprise this year, rushing for 758 yards and six scores and leads the
club with seven total touchdowns. Meanwhile, the defense has looked better at
times as well. But Greg Manusky’s unit has also been embarrassed on occasions,
most notably in losses to the Saints (43-19) and Falcons (38-14).
Next Week: Washington host the New York Giants
in position to sweet this NFC East rivalry for the first time since 2011. Back
in Week 8 at MetLife Stadium, Gruden’s team came away with a 20-13 victory over
Big Blue. The Redskins are 4-2 in the last six meetings between the clubs
dating back to the teams’ second meeting in 2015.
Playoff hopes: The ‘Skins have dropped two
straight games and three of their last four outings after a 5-2 start. The team
still owns a 2-1 record vs. their NFC East brethren and still has a pair
remaining with the Eagles. Which means if the club wants to win a division
title, these next two contests shape up as crucial.
13: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 6-6
Last week: L, 6-0 at JAC
Last rank: 11th
Recap: It was rematch time at Jacksonville as
the Colts looked for their first sweep in this series since 2014. Back in Week
10 at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis held off the Jaguars, 29-26. Now this
club looked to extend its five-game overall losing streak at the expense of
their divisional rival. Quarterback Andrew Luck had thrown at least three touchdown
passes in eight straight games entering Sunday but he and the team were blanked
by an inspired Jacksonville defense. The talented signal-caller was sacked
three times – a surprise given the fact that the Colts had allowed only two QB
traps in their previous seven contests.
Next Week: It’s another road divisional game for
the Colts as they head south to Houston to battle the division-leading Texans.
Back in Week 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis fell in overtime, 37-34. It’s
a series that the Colts once owned in a big way. But the team has now dropped
four of the last six meetings in this AFC South rivalry.
Playoff hopes: The Colts are still very much in
the playoff race but winning a division title would now take some doing
considering the club is three games behind the Houston Texans with four weeks
to play. Those two teams play each other next week in what is a crucial contest
for both clubs for different reasons.
12: BALTIMORE RAVENS 7-5
Last week: W, 26-16 at ATL
Last rank: 17th
Recap: It’s been all about the Baltimore running
game and the defense as of late and suddenly a Ravens’ team that looked like it
was headed in the wrong direction is playing physical football on both sides of
the line. On Sunday at Atlanta, John Harbaugh’s squad held the Falcons’ offense
to a paltry 131 total yards and the defense took matters into their own hands
in terms of reaching the end zone as third-year cornerback Tavon Young scooped
up a Matt Ryan fumble and returned it 12 yards for a touchdown. Rookie
quarterback Lamar Jackson literally took his lumps but he did run for 75 yards
and scored Baltimore’s lone offensive touchdown of the game.
Next Week: Harbaugh’s squad makes it first
appearance at Kansas City since 2012 as Harbaugh’s club clashes with the
explosive Chiefs. It’s the teams’ first meeting in three years and a series
dominated by the road team. Including a 30-7 win in the 2010 AFC Wild Card
Playoffs, the Ravens are 3-0 lifetime at Arrowhead Stadium.
Playoff hopes: Thanks to three consecutive wins,
Harbaugh’s club appears to be playing its best football at the right times. And
a defensive unit that had some issues a few weeks ago seems to have regained
its touch. Meanwhile, the Ravens are suddenly just one-half game out of first
place in the AFC North.
11: DALLAS COWBOYS 7-5
Last week: W, 13-10 vs NO
Last rank: 13th
Recap: For those out there who believe that
defense is an afterthought in the NFL these days, the Cowboys reminded many
that physical football – even with a limited offense – can get the job done. Rod
Marinelli’s unit made Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees uncomfortable for much of
the evening and limited the league’s highest-scoring team entering Week 13 to
10 points and 176 total yards. Dallas’ attack didn’t do much but quarterback
Dak Prescott got the ball to running back Ezekiel Elliott early. The latter
accounted for 136 yards from scrimmage and the team’s only touchdown. And
linebackers Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith were outstanding.
Next Week: It’s the second meeting of the season
between the Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. In Week 10 on a Sunday night in
the City of Brotherly Love, Garrett’s club came up big in a 27-20 victory. All
told, the Cowboys now own a 9-4 record in this intense series dating back to
2012.
Playoff hopes: It seems as if Garrett’s club
makes the playoffs every other year. Of course, the Cowboys aren’t quite there
yet. But the team appears to finally have an identity and the defense has been
the strength of the team in 2018. A lot could be settled in the NFC East over
the next week, especially if this team continues to improve.
10: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 7-5
Last week: W, 43-16 vs SF
Last rank: 12th
Recap: It was another balanced effort from this
surging team. The Seattle ground game has made life a lot easier for Russell Wilson
and has enabled the defense to make its share of plays as well. Led by Chris
Carson (69 yards) and rookie Rashaad Penny (65 yards, 1 touchdown), Pete
Carroll’s club ran for 168 yards on 29 attempts. Meanwhile, Wilson only
attempted 17 passes and was sacked three times. But four of his 11 completions
went for scores. The Seahawks limited the Niners to 68 yards on the ground,
sacked Nick Mullens three times and forced three turnovers – including an
interception returned 98 yards for a score by Bobby Wagner.
Next Week: The Seahawks are on the Monday night
stage as they host the Minnesota Vikings for the first time in five years.
Including the postseason, Seattle has won the last four meetings dating back to
‘12 (by a combined score of 119-56) – the most recent a memorable 10-9 road
wins in the 2015 NFC Wild Card Playoffs.
Playoff hopes: The Seahawks have put themselves
in good position in terms of a wild card berth thanks to 6-3 conference record,
which includes wins over NFC playoff contenders such as the Cowboys, Packers
and Panthers. A victory over the Vikings on Monday night could go a long way to
eventually securing a postseason berth.
9: MINNESOTA VIKINGS 6-5-1
Last week: L, 24-10 at NE
Last rank: 9th
Recap: Just when it looked like Mike Zimmer’s
team was ready to build on a solid effort a week ago against the Packers, the
team was humbled in Foxborough in nearly every aspect. Minnesota was limited to
just 95 yards on the ground and quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for only 201
yards despite completing 32-of-44 passes. The Vikings’ signal-caller was also
sacked twice and his one score was offset by a pair of interceptions.
Meanwhile, Zimmer’s defensive unit allowed a whopping 471 total yards,
including 160 on the ground. Tom Brady threw for 311 yards and one touchdown (1
interception) and was not sacked.
Next Week: The Purple Gang heads to Seattle for
the first time since 2013 as the Vikings and Seahawks clash for the first time
since the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Minnesota. That resulted in a 10-9 loss for
Zimmer’s team. Including the setback, the Vikings have dropped four straight in
this series dating back to ‘12.
Playoff hopes: Zimmer and company got a break of
sorts when the Bears and the rest of their NFC North neighbors all lost this
week. But the team has a short week and a trip to Seattle coming up on Monday
night. Minnesota owns a 5-3-1 record in the conference and a win over the
Seahawks could be a big boost to their playoff chances.
8: CHICAGO BEARS 8-4
Last week: L, 30-27 at NYG (OT)
Last rank: 4th
Recap: The Bears look to extend their five-game
winning streak at the expense of Eli Manning and the struggling New York
Giants. It would be Chase Daniel behind center for the NFC North leaders for
the second consecutive game. And the veteran quarterback would get off to a
rough start as he was picked off early in the first quarter and saw the theft
returned for a touchdown. The team would also give up a score on a trick play
when Giants’ wideout Odell Beckham Jr. connected with Russell Shepard on a 49-yard
score. The Bears did scratch and claw their way in the fourth quarter to force
overtime but it was a sloppy performance for Matt Nagy’s club.
Next Week: Nagy’s club is home after a pair of
consecutive road games and will host the explosive Los Angeles Rams in prime
time. The teams last met in 2015 at St. Louis and the Bears came away with a
resounding 37-13 win. As for the club’s last clash in Chicago, the Bears came
away with a 23-6 victory in 2012.
Playoff hopes: The club still sits in first
place but the team took a step backwards in terms of securing one of the top
two playoff seeds in the conference. However, the other three teams in the
division also lost on Sunday, meaning Nagy’s club still has the edge when it
comes to winning the NFC North for the first time since 2010.
7: PITTSBURGH STEELERS 7-4-1
Last week: L, 33-30 vs LAC
Last rank: 5th
Recap: Mike Tomlin’s club welcomed the talented
Chargers to the Steel City for a prime time clash of AFC playoff contenders.
And the AFC North frontrunners jumped out to a 23-7 halftime lead thanks to
some big plays from Ben Roethlisberger to Antonio Brown. But the team couldn’t
sustain its early play and before you could say Primanti Brothers, the Bolts
responded with 23 consecutive points and took a 30-23 lead. Roethlisberger and
the offense would respond but Pittsburgh’s defense had no answers for the Los
Angeles’ offense in the second half. And three straight offside calls on the
Bolts’ game-winning field goal attempt couldn’t prevent a three-point setback.
Next Week: The Steelers play their third road
game in four weeks as they head to Oakland to face the Raiders in a game that
was originally scheduled for prime time. It’s the teams’ first meeting since
2015 and Pittsburgh’s first road tilt in this series since a 21-18 setback in
2013.
Playoff hopes: Suddenly Pittsburgh’s hold on the
AFC North doesn’t seem as secure as it did a few weeks ago as the team has
cooled off a bit. And Tomlin’s team squandered a big lead on Sunday night at
home, the club’s third setback at Heinz Field this year. Can this
suddenly-shaky squad get back on track quickly?
6: LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 9-3
Last week: W, 33-30 at PIT
Last rank: 8th
Recap: The Chargers made their first appearance
at Heinz Field since 2012 as these clubs clashed for only the third time in
seven seasons. Anthony Lynn’s squad had some early issues as the Bolts trailed,
23-7, at intermission. But this has been a savvy squad all year and early in
the fourth quarter, a Keenan Allen deflected TD reception and a punt return for
a score by Desmond King (and a pair of 2-point conversions) evened the score
with 12:52 to play. Running back Justin Jackson would provide the team with a
huge spark in the second half. And by evening’s end, a Mike Badgley 29-yard
field goal on the eventual final play of the game won it for the determined
Bolts.
Next Week: Lynn’s team welcomes the slumping
Cincinnati Bengals to Los Angeles. Five years ago, these clubs actually met in
the playoffs. This marks the first encounter between the franchises since 2015,
when the Chargers came up short in the Queen City, 24-19.
Playoff hopes: There’s been no postseason
appearance since 2013 and Lynn’s talented club has had some ups and down this
season. But these Chargers are more resilient than some may believe. They’ve
won games this year without some of their best players. And they continue to
press the Chiefs in the AFC West.
5: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 9-3
Last week: W, 24-10 vs MIN
Last rank: 7th
Recap: The Patriots would host the Minnesota
Vikings for the first time since 2010. New England had prevailed in the last
four meetings in this infrequent series dating back to 2002. And the team made
it five in a row with an impressive win when it came to both sides of the
football. Quarterback Tom Brady did throw as many touchdown passes (1) as
interceptions. But he also totaled 311 yards through the air and completed 75
percent of his tosses (24-of-32). Bill Belichick’s backfield by committee
continues to get the job done as the club rolled up 160 yards on the ground,
with fullback James Develin scoring twice. And the Pats limited the Vikings to
278 total yards.
Next Week: The club heads to South Florida to
face the 6-6 Miami Dolphins, who the Patriots rolled back in Week 4 at
Foxborough, 38-7. While Brady and Belichick have enjoyed a lot of success in
this AFC East rivalry, the team is 1-4 in its last five road games in this
series dating back to 2013.
Playoff hopes: The team is closing in on a 10th
straight division title (extending their own NFL record), which the Patriots
will have with a win over the Dolphins. That means this talented club would be
in the playoffs for a 10th consecutive year – making New England the first
franchise in the league to achieve that feat.
4: HOUSTON TEXANS 9-3
Last week: W, 29-13 vs CLE
Last rank: 6th
Recap: The AFC South-leading Texans put their
eight-game winning streak on the line when they hosted the much-improved
Cleveland Browns, winners of their last two contests. And once again, Houston’s
offense complimented its defense and the streaking club opened up a 23-0
halftime lead. Houston outgained their guests in total yards (262-47) and
intercepted Browns’ rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield three times. By game’s
end, Cleveland would win the total yardage battle (428-384) but the Texans
forced a total of four turnovers in the contest while not losing the ball
themselves in a very complete victory.
Next Week: Thanks to an incredible 37-34 victory
in Week 4 at Indianapolis, the Texans are in position to sweep the Colts for
the second time in three seasons. O’Brien’s team has won four of the last six
meetings in this series. Prior to that, the Texans owned a 4-23 record in the
first 27 games of this series.
Playoff hopes: The Texans now own a three-game
lead in the AFC South with four weeks to play. This is a club clicking in all
phases of the game right now and has a chance for its first 10-plus win season
since 2012. O’Brien’s team is balanced and the defense had upped its
performance from earlier this season.
3: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 10-2
Last week: W, 40-33 at OAK
Last rank: 3rd
Recap: Entering Sunday’s game at Oakland, the
Chiefs owned an 8-2 record vs. the Raiders dating back to head coach Andy
Reid’s arrival in Kansas City in 2013. But last Friday, the team parted ways
with running back Kareem Hunt in connection with an off-the-field incident that
occurred in February. As for this game, the Chiefs returned from their off week
and while the team’s defense struggled for most of the afternoon, quarterback
Patrick Mahomes and company had the answers. He threw for 295 yards and four
touchdowns – three of those to tight end Travis Kelce (2) and Demetrius Harris
(1). And the second-year signal-caller added 52 yards on the ground.
Next Week: Reid’s squad hosts the Ravens for the
first time since 2012 as these teams meet for the first time since ’15 – a
34-14 Chiefs’ win at Baltimore. Including a postseason encounter in 2010, this
marks just the ninth lifetime meeting between the franchises, with both clubs
claiming four wins.
Playoff hopes: With the Chargers firmly on their
heels, the Chiefs still have some work to do when it comes do wrapping up a
third consecutive AFC West title. But the victory over the Raiders put Reid’s
team closer to a fourth straight playoff berth. But that shaky Kansas City
defense…
2: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 10-2
Last week: L, 13-10 at DAL
Last rank: 1st
Recap: The Saints not only looked to extend
their 10-game winning streak on Thursday night at Dallas, Sean Payton’s
first-place club booked to remain the NFL’s only undefeated team on the road.
But quarterback Drew Brees looked uncomfortable the entire evening and the club
was limited to only 10 points and a mere 176 total yards. New Orleans’ defense
had some early issues but still wound up doing enough to put the team in
position to win. But it wasn’t meant to be as Brees was picked off late in the
game with him team looking for a game-tying field goal or go-ahead touchdown.
Next Week: Before the prime time loss to the
Cowboys, the only blemish on the Saints’ 2018 record was a 48-40 defeat at the
hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Superdome in Week 1. Now those teams
renew acquaintances, this time at Raymond James Stadium where Payton’s team has
come up short two straight years.
Playoff hopes: Payton’s squad still owns a
four-game lead in the NFC South standings despite the club’s first loss since
opening weekend. But a second loss not only this season but within the
conference puts the Saints behind the Rams for now when it comes to playoff
seeding in the NFC. But there’s a lot of football to be played.
1: LOS ANGELES RAMS 11-1
Last week: W, 30-16 at DET
Last rank: 2nd
Recap: The NFC West leaders returned from their
off week and were playing the first of two straight road games vs. NFC North
teams. The Rams also welcomed back cornerback Aqib Talib, out of action for a
few months. And while the latter was still limited in the contest, the rest of
the defense stepped up in a big way. Los Angeles gave up 310 total yards but
only one touchdown as Aaron Donald and company sacked Matthew Stafford four
times and forced him into a pair of turnovers. Meanwhile, running back Todd
Gurley had 132 of the Rams’ 149 yards on the ground and rushed for two scores
in a game a little closer than the final score may indicate.
Next Week: It’s a second straight meeting with
an NFC North squad and McVay’s team will be in the prime time spotlight as the
Rams head to the Windy City to battle the first-place Chicago Bears. The teams
last met in 2015 at St. Louis and the home team was on the short end of a 37-13
setback.
Playoff hopes: Now that the Rams have wrapped up
the NFC West for the second consecutive seasons, the quest is on to secure not
only a first-round bye in the playoffs but home field advantage in the
conference. The team owns the best record in the NFL (11-1) and controls its
own postseason destiny.
