2018 NFL Power Rankings, Week 15: Cowboys hot, Steelers not
team. 13. . 10-3. Previous: . Los Angeles Chargers. 4
Recap: The surging Bolts hosted the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday and would once again be without running back Melvin Gordon. And Anthony Lynn’s club would jump out to a 14-3 second-quarter lead thanks to touchdowns by Keenan Allen (via Philip Rivers) and running back Austin Ekeler, respectively. But the Chargers struggled to put away Marvin Lewis’ team and the Los Angeles’ defense had its issues when it came to slowing down the Cincinnati ground attack. Lynn’s team allowed 144 yards rushing and that help keep Rivers and company off the field for more than half the game. But the Chargers made enough plays down the stretch to close the deal.
Next Week: They have been the team’s albatross for far too long. The Bolts head east to Kansas City for a Thursday night tilt against a Chiefs’ club that has defeated them nine consecutive times, including a 38-28 setback in Week 1 at Los Angeles. The Chargers have also dropped four straight at Arrowhead Stadium dating back to ‘14.
Playoff hopes: The Bolts could have wrapped up their first postseason berth this week with a win and some help. But the other teams in the AFC that they needed to lose simply did not. Still, the team is just one game behind the Chiefs for the division lead. And with 10 wins, it’s the club’s first double-digit victory campaign since 2009.
Next: No. 3