2019 NFL power rankings, Week 3: 49ers roll, Texans survive

Recap: Mike Tomlin’s team was humbled in Foxborough last Sunday night and now face another playoff team from a year ago in the visiting Seattle Seahawks. Pittsburgh’s defense sacked Russell Wilson three times in the first quarter but the Steelers’ passing game continued to be plagued by a case of the dropsies. And despite owning a 10-7 lead at the half, Tomlin’s offense managed just 103 total yards on 24 plays.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger apparently suffered an elbow injury in the first half which gave way in the third quarter to second-year pro Mason Rudolph. The youngster played well but it was Pittsburgh’s inability to stop the run that would be their undoing.

Next Week: The Steelers make their first appearance at San Francisco since a 20-3 Monday night loss back in 2011. As for the last installment of this interconference series, Pittsburgh rolled to a 34-18 win in ‘15 at Heinz Field. This marks the 22nd overall meeting between these successful franchises, with the Niners owning an 11-10 edge.

Playoff hopes: Mike Tomlin’s club is off to a 0-2 start for the first time since 2013. Fortunately for the Steelers, neither of those losses came within the division. It doesn’t get any easier next week against the resurgent 49ers. But the real question is whether Roethlisberger will be ready for what shapes up as a crucial game for the team.

Recap: Seven days after letting one get away from them at Arizona, the Lions watched the short-handed Chargers march up and down the field on Sunday to the tune of 424 total yards. Detroit’s pass rush managed only one sack and the visiting team won the time of possession battle (31:19). But Matt Patricia’s team did just enough on both sides of the ball to steal a victory.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford was picked off twice but also hit 22 of his 30 throws for 245 yards and scores to running back Kerryon Johnson and underrated wideout Kenny Golladay, the latter with 7:21 to play. And Darius Slay’s end zone interception of Philip Rivers with 1:03 to play sealed the deal.

Next Week: The Lions make their first appearance in the City of Brotherly Love since 2013 and take on an Eagles’ team that Patricia may not have very fond memories of. Interesting to note that Detroit’s current head coach’s final game as defensive coordinator of the Patriots resulted in a 41-33 loss to Philadelphia in Super Bowl LII.

Playoff hopes: Odd as it may sound, the Lions and the Packers are the only teams in the NFC North without a loss after two weeks of play. The defense had issues late last week at Arizona but that unit came up big on Sunday when it had to. Meanwhile, Detroit’s next two games are vs. ‘18 playoff participants Philadelphia and Kansas City.

Next: Nos. 18 and 17