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

By Russell S. Baxter

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Running Back Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball in the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Running Back Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball in the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Jared Goff (16) rolls out of the pocket while under pressure by Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive End Ndamukong Suh (93) during an NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Rams on September 29, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Jared Goff (16) rolls out of the pocket while under pressure by Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive End Ndamukong Suh (93) during an NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Rams on September 29, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2-2. Previous: . Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 20. team. 48.

Recap: The Buccaneers, who squandered an 18-point halftime lead last week in a loss to the Giants, looked to rebound against the 3-0 Rams at Los Angeles. And who would have guessed that Bruce Arians’ team would not only come all the way back around, these Bucs would set a franchise record for points scored in a game.

Jameis Winston finished the afternoon with 385 yards through the air and four scores but did serve up an interception that was returned for a touchdown. Tampa Bay’s defense gave up 518 total yards but also forced four turnovers, closing out the scoring with a 37-yard fumble return for a score by one-time Rams’ defender Ndamukong Suh.

Next Week: The Buccaneers make their way to the Superdome looking to notch their second divisional road win in 2019. A year ago in Week 1, Tampa Bay came away with a stunning 48-40 victory in the Big Easy. It was the club’s second win at New Orleans in three seasons. The Bucs and Saints have split eight meetings dating back to 2015.

Playoff hopes: Can you say intriguing? Arians’ squad is 0-2 at home but perfect on the road in defeating both the Panthers and Rams. Winston has looked a lot better after a shaky season opener and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles’ unit has made its share of big plays in key situations. This is a talented team that you dare not overlook.

19. team. 60. . 2-2. Previous: . Minnesota Vikings

Recap: A season ago, the Vikings’ inability to knock off the Chicago Bears at Minnesota in Week 17 cost them a playoff spot. In fact, the Purple Gang was swept a year ago by their longtime rivals from the Windy City for the first time since 2011. On Sunday, Mike Zimmer’s club spent most of the game trying to reach the century mark and finished with just 222 yards of offense by game’s end.

Kirk Cousins finished with 233 yards through the air but was sacked six times, fumbled twice and had one of the team’s two turnovers. And after running for 100-plus yards in each of the team’s first three games, Dalvin Cook was held to 35 yards on the ground and Minnesota’s lone touchdown.

Next Week: Zimmer’s club heads to MetLife Stadium as they clash with the New York Giants for the first time since 2016. And the teams’ last meeting would result in a 24-10 victory for the host Vikings. As for Minnesota’s last road tilt in this series, the Purple Gang would fall on Monday night at East Rutherford, 23-7, six years ago.

Playoff hopes: The Vikings have been impressive in two wins and shaky in losses to the Packers and Bears. To be more specific when it comes to the latter, Cousins’ inability to take care of the football remains a major issue. The Bears’ game plan on Sunday was to put the game on the Vikings’ quarterback’s shoulders and you saw the results.

Next: Nos. 18 and 17

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