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

By Russell S. Baxter

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)
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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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 02: Tackle Taylor Decker #68 of the Detroit Lions scores his first career touchdown during action against the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter at Ford Field on December 2, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 02: Tackle Taylor Decker #68 of the Detroit Lions scores his first career touchdown during action against the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter at Ford Field on December 2, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

50. . 4-8. Previous: . Detroit Lions. 29. team

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 this 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.

Next: No. 28

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