NFL power rankings, Week 14: Texans rise, Packers fade

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.

Next: No. 22