2019 NFL power rankings, Week 6: Texans roll, Bears stunned

Recap: Mike Zimmer’s team has been predictable to date. Home wins over the Falcons and Raiders paired with disturbing road losses at Green Bay and at Chicago saw the Purple Gang with a disappointing 2-2 record after four weeks. But it was an up week for the Vikings as quarterback Kirk Cousins was sharp, hitting on 22-of-27 throws for 306 yards and a pair of scores to wideout Adan Thielen. Dalvin Cook added 132 yards on the ground and 86 more on six receptions.

All told, the Vikings’ attack exploited New York’s porous defense for 490 total yards. On the other hand, the Minnesota defense schooled Giants’ rookie quarterback Daniel Jones throughout the day.

Next Week: The club returns home after a two-game road swing and takes on the Eagles. It’s the first time the Purple Gang will host this series since 2013. Including an NFC title game clash in 2017, it marks the fourth straight year these clubs will square off. A season ago, Minnesota managed a 23-21 win in Week 5 at Philadelphia.

Playoff hopes: For the second time this year, the Vikings followed up a dud with a strong performance. Zimmer’s club displayed excellent balance and Cousins was far from an afterthought on Sunday. Minnesota’s defensive unit made the Giants’ offense very one-dimensional. It was a complete effort for a club that certainly has the talent.

Recap: Off a surprising home loss to the Oakland Raiders, Frank Reich’s team hit the road for a prime time affair at Arrowhead Stadium against the 4-0 Chiefs. A year ago in the AFC Divisional Playoffs, the Colts went to Kansas City and left 31-13 losers. This time around, it was quarterback Jacoby Brissett and Indianapolis’ well-schooled offensive front that set the tone for the evening.

Running back Marlon Mack ran 29 times for 132 yards, part of a ground attack that rolled up 180 yards on 45 attempts. Brissett ran for his team’s only touchdown and ageless kicker Adam Vinatieri added four field goals while Indianapolis’ battered defense came up with a stellar effort.

Next Week: The Colts get some time off after their playoff rematch with the Chiefs. Reich’s team will then play back-to-back home games, starting with a clash with the rival Houston Texans. Including an encounter in the Wild Card round, the road team came away with a victory in each of the clubs’ three meetings last season.

Playoff hopes: Give Reich and his coaching staff the nod as the team bounced back after a disappointing home loss to stun the previously-undefeated Chiefs on the road. Coordinator Matt Eberflus’ undermanned defensive unit played exceptional football and the team’s ground attack was the story of the game. A job very well done.

Next: Nos. 16 and 15