2019 NFL power rankings, Week 7: 49ers jump, Cowboys slump
2-4. Previous: . Cleveland Browns. 20. team. 53.
Recap: Six days after being humbled by the 49ers on Monday night at San Francisco, Freddie Kitchens’ squad faced an NFC West team for the third time in four games as the Browns hosted the Seahawks. The Browns jumped out to a 20-6 second-quarter lead but it was another sloppy performance by the club that ultimately cost Cleveland a victory. For the second straight game, Kitchen’s team turned over the football four times – including three more interceptions by Baker Mayfield. And the Browns’ talented defense was once again gashed on the ground, this time to the tune of 170 yards. All told, Steve Wilks’ struggling unit allowed Seattle to gain 454 total yards.
Next Week: Kitchens’ team will be off in Week 7 but could certainly use the extra time to prepare for a trip to Foxborough when they next take the field. The Browns last face the New England Patriots in 2016, when Cleveland came up short at home, 33-13. Surprisingly, this will be just the fourth meetings between the clubs since 2010.
Playoff hopes: Kitchen’s mistake-prone team still isn’t clicking after six games and the Cleveland defense continues to be a detriment. And it’s somewhat hard to fathom that the Browns still can’t find a way to win a game at home (0-3) this season. But there is one saving grace is the fact that this club owns a 2-1 record within the conference.
Los Angeles Chargers. 19. team. 13. . 2-4. Previous:
Recap: Anthony Lynn’s club was home for a second straight week and was looking to make amends after a surprising loss to the previously-winless Broncos. The 1-4 Steelers were in town for this prime time match-up and the Bolts got off to a rough start as two early turnovers and some shaky tackling saw Los Angeles fall behind 21-0 in the second quarter and 24-0 in the third. Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers wound up throwing for 320 yards and two scores – both to tight end Hunter Henry – and led his team back to within seven points of a tie. But he would serve up his second interception of the evening in the closing minutes, one of his three turnovers in the loss.
Next Week: The Bolts make their way to Nashville for the first time since 2013 to face the Titans. These teams meet for the second consecutive season and a year ago at London (Week 7), Lynn’s Chargers held off a late rally and a game winning two-point conversion attempt by Tennessee in the fourth quarter for a 20-19 victory.
Playoff hopes: Consecutive home setbacks to the Broncos and Steelers now have Lynn’s team with as many regular-season losses as they had all of last season. The Chargers’ battered offensive line had a very long night vs. the Steelers. And this Super Bowl contender suddenly finds itself at the bottom of the AFC West standings.
Next: Nos. 18 and 17