2018 NFL Power Rankings, Week 15: Cowboys hot, Steelers not
24. team. 44. . 4-9. Previous: . Atlanta Falcons
Recap: The streaky Falcons were in the midst of a four-game skid when the team arrived at Lambeau Field for a clash with the struggling Packers. A week ago, Dan Quinn’s club was limited to a mere 131 total yards in a 26-16 loss to the Ravens. This week, Atlanta more than doubled that total (344). But with a quarter to play, Green Nay had already owned a 34-7 lead. Matt Ryan would throw for 262 yards and three scores but had one of the team’s two turnovers and his lone interception of the day was returned for a score. The Falcons’ problem-plagued defense had four sacks of Aaron Rodgers but gave up a disappointing 138 yards rushing.
Next Week: Quinn’s team plays host to the Arizona Cardinals for the first time since 2016 as these teams meet for the sixth time in nine years dating back to ‘10. Dating back to 2012, the Falcons own a 4-1 record in this series. Including playoffs, the home team has prevailed in nine straight meetings in this setting dating back to ’04.
Playoff hopes: Losers of five straight games, the Falcons remain all alone in the basement of the NFC South. It’s been quite a fall for a team that reached the Super Bowl in 2016 and was back in the playoffs a year ago. A lack of depth has proven to be the team’s undoing, especially on the defensive side of the football.
Next: No. 23