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

Recap: Frank Reich’s team got two weeks to prepare for their showdown with the Houston Texans. The teams met three times in 2018 and the road club prevailed in each instance, meaning the Colts won twice in Texas but fell at home a year ago. This time around, Reich’s team made it three straight wins in this series and got a big game from quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who threw for 326 yards and four scores. Meanwhile, Matt Edberflus’ defensive unit got a big game from returning linebacker Darius Leonard, who finished with 10 tackles and the second of two interceptions of Texans’ quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was also sacked three times in the seven-point win.

Next Week: A series that once went the way of the Colts has taken some turns in recent years as Indianapolis plays host to the Denver Broncos for the second time in three years. Including playoffs, the Colts have dropped three of the last five games between the clubs, this after prevailing in the previous six contests between the franchises.

Playoff hopes: That Week 4 home loss to the Raiders is a very distant memory as the club has rebounded to defeat two teams that were in first place in their division. Since opening the 2018 season with a 1-5 mark, the Colts own a 14-4 overall win-loss record. The team has a solid foundation and more importantly, a 2-0 record in the AFC South.

Recap: Winners of three straight games, Pete Carroll’s club was looking to complete a clean sweep of the AFC North when they welcomed the Ravens and former Seahawks’ standout Earl Thomas to the Pacific Northwest. Quarterback Russell Wilson entered the game with 14 touchdown passes without an interception and that would come to an end when he served up a pick-six to new Baltimore cornerback Marcus Peters. Wilson would win up throwing for 241 yards and one score but also completed less than 50 percent of his passes. And Seattle’s suspect defensive unit simply had no answers for a Ravens’ running attack that rolled up 199 yards by game’s end.

Next Week: The Seahawks make their way to Atlanta for the 1st time since the 2016 playoffs, when they were stung by the Falcons, 36-20, in the divisional round. The teams last met on a Monday night at Seattle two years ago and Carroll’s club came up short, 34-31. Including playoffs, the ‘Hawks are 2-6 in this series dating back to 2007.

Playoff hopes: After forging a 5-1 record in their first five contests, the Seahawks were the only team in the NFC West this week to lose a game. The team saw both of its miscues returned for touchdowns and it’s somewhat odd that both of the club’s losses this season have come on their home field. But this is a team that rebounds well.

Next: Nos. 8 and 7