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

Recap: A week after a surprising home loss to a New Orleans Saints team that was minus quarterback Drew Brees, the Seahawks headed south to the desert. Arizona has been kind to Pete Carroll’s team as of late as the team was 5-0-1 in their last six road games in this NFC West setting.

That success continued on Sunday as Seattle opened up a 17-point lead at halftime and were never really threatened. Running back Chris Carson had 22 of the team’s 27 rushing attempts and 104 of the team’s 115 yards on the ground. Quarterback Russell Wilson continued his mastery of the Cardinals’ defense at Arizona and Jadeveon Clowney returned a Kyler Murray pick for a touchdown.

Next Week: The Seahawks welcome the reigning conference and NFC West champions on a Thursday night. Last season, Pete Carroll’s squad scored exactly 31 points in each of their two clashes with the Rams and still came up short. The ‘Hawks have dropped three straight in this series and allowed a combined 111 points in those setbacks.

Playoff hopes: After stubbing their toes at home against the Saints, Carroll’s club made it two road wins in a three-week span, this latest victory against a division foe. With the Rams taking it on the chin at home this week and the 49ers sporting a perfect 3-0 record, it’s shaping up as a very competitive race in the always-interesting NFC West.

Recap: The last time the 49ers won their first three games was way back in 1998. That club wound up finishing 12-4 and reaching the playoffs. After three weeks this season, only three teams in the league have amassed more total yards and rushing yards per game.

Kyle Shanahan’s club has played big in the second half, with 63 of their 96 points scored coming in the final two quarters. But the biggest news has been the defense as a balanced pass rush has gotten nine sacks from a combined six players. And a team that set NFL records for ineptitude last season in terms of interceptions (2) and takeaways (7) has already picked off five passes and forced seven turnovers.

Next Week: The Niners host the Browns for the first time since 2011 as this series is renewed for only the fifth time since 2003. It’s worth noting that the 49ers have dropped three of those contests, including a 24-10 loss in 2015 at Cleveland. But home-standing San Francisco did came away with a 20-10 triumph eight seasons ago.

Playoff hopes: It’s nice when you can take the week off and by Sunday evening, you are alone in first place in your division. Such is the case for Shanahan’s Niners, who not only sport a 3-0 record but are one victory away from matching last season’s disappointing win total. And if Jimmy Garoppolo can cut down on the mistakes, well …

Next: Nos. 4 and 3