2019 NFL power rankings, Week 8: Packers statement, Chargers lament

A number of first-place teams flexed their muscles on the road. So what impact did those results on the latest NFL Power Rankings?

Recap: Last week, head coach Brian Flores benched Josh Rosen during the team’s clash with the Washington Redskins and Ryan Fitzpatrick nearly rallied the Dolphins to their first win of the season. Now the veteran signal-caller would get the nod at Orchard Park against the much-improved Bills. And Miami more than held its own against one of the better defenses in the league and owned a 14-9 advantage at intermission. Fitzpatrick threw for 282 yards and one score (1 interception), ran for a touchdown and wasn’t sacked. But Buffalo played turnover-free football and made the plays that the ‘Fins – who totaled an impressive 381 yards – didn’t make down the stretch.

Next Week: The Dolphins are on the road once again as they head north to Heinz Field for a Monday night clash with the Steelers. The teams last met in 2016, once in the regular seasons (a 30-15 win at Miami) and in the playoffs (30-12 loss at Pittsburgh). Including playoffs, the ‘Fins are just 2-6 in this series dating back to 2004.

Playoff hopes: The team’s overall losing streak dating back to 2018 now stands at nine games. The Dolphins did show some life today on the road and gave that tough Buffalo defense fits. And the club has played better as of late. But the bottom line is that Flores’ team continues to find ways to lose games during this forgettable season.

Recap: The winless Bengals, ranked last in the league in both rushing yards per game as well as against the run entering Week 7, were back home to take on the intriguing Jaguars and talented running back Leonard Fournette. Last Friday, tackle Cordy Glenn suspended for internal disciplinary reasons, just one more issues for Zac Taylor’s struggling squad. Cincinnati defenders watched Fournette and the Jacksonville offense roll up 216 yards on the ground and the Jaguars’ offense 460 yards total. The Bengals ran for only 33 yards and while Andy Dalton wound up throwing for 276 yards he was picked off three times, part of four turnovers by Taylor’s club on Sunday.

Next Week: It’s another NFL clash overseas and the Bengals are technically the road team when they take on the Rams at London. Both teams are having their issues these days as the clubs clash for the first time since 2015. Cincinnati has come away with wins in the last three meetings, including a 31-7 victory four years ago at home.

Playoff hopes: Are the Bengals even capable of playing spoiler when it comes to the other teams in their division and the league in general. Cincinnati’s inability to stop teams from running the football is disturbing indeed and it makes life difficult for Taylor’s club in general. The effort is certainly there but there’s a lot to be fixed here.

Next: Nos. 30 and 29