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

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.

Next: No. 18