2019 NFL power rankings, Week 5: Browns impress, Falcons regress
team. 57. . 3-1. Previous: . Chicago Bears. 10
Recap: It was a crucial game for the defending NFC North champions as they played host to the Minnesota Vikings. Already the owners of a divisional home loss in 2019, the Bears hoped to hold serve at home against the Purple Gang. Chuck Pagano’s unit spent the afternoon harassing Vikings’ quarterback Kirk Cousins courtesy of six sacks.
It also put the clamps on running back Dalvin Cook, who ran for only 35 yards on 14 attempts. And veteran Chase Daniel filled in well for Mitch Trubisky, who went down early in the game with a shoulder issue. Matt Nagy’s offense wasn’t very productive but was extremely balanced in terms of play-calling and did not commit a turnover.
Next Week: The Bears head overseas to London to face the Raiders. It’s the first meeting between the franchises since 2015, when the home team prevailed in Chicago, 22-20. The main focus in this infrequent tilt will be Chicago outside linebacker Khalil Mack, who faces his former employer for the first time since being traded in 2018.
Playoff hopes: It was important that Matt Nagy’s club got the home win over a division rival. And suddenly a three-game winning streak has the Bears tied atop the highly-competitive NFC North. Chicago has yet to allow a team to reach the 20-point mark. this season. The big question now is the health status of the team’s young quarterback.
Los Angeles Rams. 9. team. 51. . 3-1. Previous:
Recap: The Rams return home looking to remain undefeated against a Buccaneers squad that let one get away from them last week against the Giants. Quarterback Jared Goff looked to rebound from a rough outing in Cleveland. While his club came up with a win, he committed all three of the team’s turnovers in the prime time victory.
It was more of the same on Sunday against Tampa Bay as the fourth-year signal-caller threw for 517 yards and two scores but was picked off three times and lost a fumble late in the game that was returned for a touchdown. Wade Phillips’ defense had few answers for Jameis Winston, who threw for 385 yards and four touchdowns (with one interception).
Next Week: McVay’s club heads to the Pacific Northwest for a Thursday night showdown against Pete Carroll’s Seahawks. A year ago, the Rams swept this NFC West rivalry for the second time in four seasons and all told, have prevailed in three straight and six of the last eight encounters between the clubs, three of those wins at Seattle.
Playoff hopes: It may be the most surprising result of the early season. Suddenly the Rams find themselves tied for second in the NFC West just behind the 49ers and with this Thursday night’s opponent coming in the division. The team’s sloppy play on offense the last few weeks has to be cause for concern. But can McVay get it fixed in just a few days?
Next: Nos. 8 and 7