2018 NFL power rankings, Week 14: Texans rise, Packers fade

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

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 02: Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) carries the ball during the football game between the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans on December 2, 2018 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 02: Jordy Nelson #82 of the Oakland Raiders runs after a catch against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

28. . 2-10. Previous: . Oakland Raiders. 30. team

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 finished 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.

Next: No. 29

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