2019 NFL power rankings, Week 7: 49ers jump, Cowboys slump

Recap: Off an overtime victory at Pittsburgh in which quarterback Lamar Jackson was sacked five times and threw three interceptions, the Ravens faced another longtime rival in the winless Bengals. After spotting Cincinnati a quick 7-0 lead via the opening kickoff, it was pretty much all John Harbaugh’s team the rest of the afternoon. While the final score showed just a six-point victory, the Ravens rolled up 497 total yards on 77 offensive plays and owned the football for 39:42. Quarterback Lamar Jackson threw for 236 yards, was sacked just once, was not picked off and also added 152 yards and a score on 19 carries. All told, Baltimore ran for 269 yards on 43 attempts.

Next Week: The Ravens head to the Pacific Northwest for the first time since 2011 looking for their first-ever win at Seattle in this their third try. All told, Baltimore has dropped three straight in this interconference series dating back to 2007, the latest a 35-6 home setback in 2015. It’s only the sixth game between these teams.

Playoff hopes: Six weeks into the season and the Ravens are the only team above .500 in the AFC North. The team also owns a 2-1 record in the division. The Browns, Steelers and Bengals are all having their issues for a variety of reasons. If Baltimore can find a more consistent pass rush, this could be a very interesting team down the road.

Recap: It was the first rematch of the NFL season as the Panthers headed to London to avoid a sweep at the hands of the rival Buccaneers. Quarterback Kyle Allen would make his fourth consecutive start but it was running back Christian McCaffrey who led the league in yards from scrimmage enter Week 6. The Tampa Bay defense, as it did in the teams’ first meeting, kept the versatile performer from doing too much damage. But the Bucs couldn’t prevent McCaffrey reaching the end zone twice in the first half. Allen warmed up after intermission, the Panthers came up with seven takeaways and Ron Rivera’s team scored at least 34 points for the third time in their last four outings.

Next Week: Following their trip overseas, the Panthers have the week off and return to action the following Sunday as they take on the improved 49ers at San Francisco. These one-time NFC West rivals clash for the third time in four seasons, the latest meeting coming in 2017 when Rivera’s club came up with a 23-3 road victory.

Playoff hopes: The Panthers have rebounded smartly since that 0-2 start (both losses at home) and look like a much more confident football team these days. After forcing just eight turnovers in their first five outings this year, the club nearly matched that total in London vs. the Bucs. The club has two weeks to savor its winning streak.

Next: Nos. 8 and 7