2019 NFL power rankings, Week 8: Packers statement, Chargers lament
team. 16. . 5-1. Previous: . Buffalo Bills. 6
Recap: The Bills returned to action after a week off and hosted the winless Miami Dolphins. Sean McDermott’s club had limited each of its first five opponents to 17 points or less. That streak would end on Sunday but that didn’t prevent this club from notching another win. Quarterback Josh Allen threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns and the Bills did not turn over the football. Meanwhile, Buffalo’s defense gave up a surprising 381 total yards but came up with a key interception. And after the Dolphins narrowed the deficit to 24-21 with less than two minutes to play, safety Micah Hyde grabbed an onside kick and raced 45 yards to the end zone.
Next Week: The improving Bills play host to the Philadelphia Eagles for the first time since 2011 as these clubs meet for only the fifth time since 2003. All told, the denizens of Orchard Park have dropped three of the last four games in this infrequent series, the latest a narrow 23-20 setback four years ago in the City of Brotherly Love.
Playoff hopes: McDermott’s squad had some anxious moments against the winless Dolphins. But this hard-nose club eventually got the job done despite allowing a season-high 21 points. The Bills are far from a finished product and do have their own issues when it comes to making mistakes. But this has emerged as a very scrappy team.
Baltimore Ravens. 5. team. 26. . 5-2. Previous:
Recap: The first-place Ravens made their way to Seattle for the first time 2011 and early last week, the club added ball-hawking cornerback Marcus Peters – via a trade with the Rams – to a defense that has had its ups and downs as of late. And the former member of the Chiefs and Rams made an immediate impression as he stepped in front of a Russell Wilson pass late in the second quarter and returned the interception 67 yards for the first of the team’s two defensive touchdowns. Quarterback Lamar Jackson completed less than 50 percent of his passes but he led all players with 116 yards rushing on 14 carries and scored the Ravens’ only offensive touchdown.
Next Week: The first-place Ravens have the week off following their trip to Seattle. When Harbaugh and company get back to business, it will be at home on a Sunday night vs. the New England Patriots. The teams last met three years ago on a Monday night at Foxborough and Baltimore would wind up on the short end of a 30-23 score.
Playoff hopes: Seven weeks into the season and Harbaugh’s club is riding a three-game winning streak and owns better than a two-game lead in the AFC North where they are the only team with a record above .500. Baltimore’s offense was far from efficient on Sunday but the defense came up big. And if Jackson can improve as a passer…
Next: Nos. 4 and 3