2019 NFL power rankings, Week 5: Browns impress, Falcons regress

Recap: Off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2015, the Packers hosted the Philadelphia Eagles as Matt LaFleur’s club played its third consecutive home game. Aaron Rodgers and company jumped out to a 10-0 lead but a pair of poor plays by the special teams set up two touchdowns by the Birds and the Pack was playing catch-up the rest of the evening.

Mike Pettine’s defense once again struggled to stop the run, allowing 176 yards on the ground, and failed to rack up a sack or takeaway. Rodgers would throw for 422 yards and two scores but also lost a crucial fumble and also saw a red zone pass attempt late in the game wind up in the hands of the Philadelphia defense.

Next Week: Including a pair of postseason tilts, the Pack makes its way to Arlington for the fifth time this decade. That includes a divisional round conquest of the Cowboys in 2016 and a win in Super Bowl XLV over the Steelers. Green Bay owns a 4-0 lifetime record at AT&T Stadium, their last appearance resulting in a 35-31 victory in ’15.

Playoff hopes: While Green Bay’s defense is noticeably better than in recent years, that failure to keep team from running at will has now emerged as a problem. After forcing eight turnovers and totaling 12 sacks during the 3-0 start, the Packers were shut out in both categories vs. the Eagles. Now the team has over a week to fix things.

Recap: It’s been a rough two-week stretch for Anthony Lynn’s team as the Chargers followed their opening-day overtime win over the Colts with a pair of narrow setbacks to the Lions and Texans, respectively. Now the team headed to South Florida to take on the winless Miami Dolphins.

On Thursday, running back Melvin Gordon ended his holdout and after wound up suiting up for the team but didn’t play. After falling behind 7-3 in the first quarter, the Chargers outscored their hosts 27-3 the rest of the way. Philip Rivers threw for 310 yards and two scores and was sacked only once. The Los Angeles defense totaled five sacks and limited the ‘Fins to 233 total yards.

Next Week: The Bolts continue to alternate home and away games, meaning they are back in Los Angeles in Week 5 when they host the Denver Broncos. A year ago, the Chargers fell at home to the Men from Mile High, 23-22, in Week 11. All told, these longtime AFC West rivals have split their season series each of the past three years.

Playoff hopes: It’s been a rough start for Lynn’s club as the team has made mistakes at critical moments that wound up costing them dearly. And while the Dolphins made it interesting early, the talented Chargers eventually exerted themselves and pulled away. It was an important win within the conference as the Bolts got back on track.

Next: Nos. 6 and 5