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

Recap: Off back-to-back win over a pair of 2018 playoff teams in the Chargers and Eagles, Matt Patricia’s club had quite the task ahead of them in trying to slow down Patrick Mahomes and the potent Kansas City Chiefs. And early on, the Lions looked like the better team as they jumped out to a 10-0 first-quarter advantage.

But eventually the Detroit defense would succumb to the Chiefs’ big-play ability both on offense and defense. Kerryon Johnson ran for 125 yards but also had a fumble that was scooped up and returned 100 yards for a score. And leading 30-27 with 2:26 to play, Patricia’s defenders couldn’t slow down Mahomes and company down the stretch.

Next Week: Patricia’s team is off in Week 5 but when the Lions take the field again it will be at Lambeau Field against a Green Bay Packers club off to a strong start. Detroit has had its way in this longtime rivalry as of late, sweeping this series each of the past two seasons. And the Lions are 3-1 in their last four road games in this series.

Playoff hopes: The loss to the Chiefs was certainly a bitter pill to swallow. But there were certainly some positives to take from the four-point setback. The Detroit running game is starting to come into its own. And Stafford came up big in the fourth quarter to give his club a lead. This is an improved team in what looks like a loaded division.

Recap: Looking to bounce back after consecutive losses to the Falcons and Lions, Doug Pederson’s team had a short week and traveled to Lambeau Field to face the undefeated Packers. The Eagles remained patient and would physically dominate Green Bay’s defense, totaling 176 yards on the ground on 33 running plays while quarterback Carson Wentz would not be sacked by a team that totaled a dozen quarterback traps in its first three outings.

Jordan Howard ran for 87 yards and two scores and also caught three passes for 28 yards and one touchdown. And the hard-hitting and opportunistic Philadelphia defense came up with a pair of takeaways in the comeback win.

Next Week: It will be a pair of fairly well-rested teams squaring off in the City of Brotherly Love as the Eagles, off the Thursday night win over the Packers, host the New York Jets, who were on their bye in Week 4. The Birds are a perfect 10-for-10 against this member of the AFC East, the latest triumph a 24-17 victory in 2015 at MetLife Stadium.

Playoff hopes: All four of the Eagles’ games this season have been decided by seven points or less. While the team’s secondary continues to have issues but the offensive line came up big at Lambeau Field. A year ago, it took the club more than two months to win consecutive games. Can the Birds build on this important victory?

Next: Nos. 14 and 13