2019 NFL power rankings, Week 8: Packers statement, Chargers lament
2-5. Previous: . Denver Broncos. 28. team. 45.
Recap: Winners of two straight games after a rare 0-4 start for this franchise, the Broncos hosted the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night. After marching down the field and taking a 6-0 lead on a 10-play, 75-yard drive, Denver would managed 130 total yards the remainder of the evening. It was a nightmare outing for quarterback Joe Flacco, who was sacked eight times and fumbled on three occasions – with his one lost fumble returned for a touchdown. It was the team’s eighth straight loss to the Chiefs and the fifth consecutive setback at home to their longtime AFC West rivals. Vic Fangio’s team has scored 16 or fewer points in five of their seven outings in 2019.
Next Week: The Broncos invade Indianapolis for the second time in three seasons as these clubs clash for the seventh time (including playoffs) in as many years dating back to 2013. Two years ago in prime time, Denver came away with a 25-13 win at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Broncos have won the last two meetings between the clubs.
Playoff hopes: A year after winning the Super Bowl in 2015, the Broncos got off to a 4-0 start. But in their last 51 games, Denver owns a morbid 18-33 record and appears to have issues on both sides of the ball. The defense is still formidable but has lacked consistency. And Flacco looks like a worn down fighter who may be on his last legs.
31. . 2-5. Previous: . New York Giants. 27. team
Recap: An 0-2 start followed by a pair of wins and then two straight losses had Big Blue sitting in third place of the NFC East after six weeks of play. Now the club would host the Arizona Cardinals and rookie quarterback Kyle Murry while the Giants would have running back Saquon Barkley and tight end Even Engram back on the field. But Pat Shurmur’s squad was down 14-0 after one quarter of play and while the eventually made a game of it, it wound up being a painful afternoon for rookie quarterback Daniel Jones. He was sacked eight times and committed all three of the team’s turnovers in this latest loss. The New York offense was limited to a disappointing 263 total yards
Next Week: Big Blue heads to the Motor City for the first time since 2014 as the Giants and Lions clash for the third time in four seasons. Two years ago on a Monday night at MetLife Stadium, New York fell to Detroit, 24-10. In fact, the Giants have come up short in two of their last three encounters with the Men from the Motor City.
Playoff hopes: Make it three straight losses after that 2-2 start. The turnovers are starting to pile up for this club and the Giants have made a habit out of digging themselves some big holes. While the team has played hard and is not to be taken lightly, there are major weaknesses along the offensive line and the defensive unit in general.
Next: Nos. 26 and 25