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

By Russell S. Baxter

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 20: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers calls a play from the line of scrimmage in the second half against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 20: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers calls a play from the line of scrimmage in the second half against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENG – OCTOBER 13: Jameis Winston (3) of the Bucs looks for an open receiver during the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 13th, 2019 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENG – OCTOBER 13: Jameis Winston (3) of the Bucs looks for an open receiver during the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 13th, 2019 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

48. . 2-4. Previous: . Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 24. team

Recap: Just when it looked like quarterback Jameis Winston was making progress when it came taking care of the football, disaster struck in the loss at London to the Panthers. The five-year signal-caller has now thrown for 12 touchdowns but committed 11 of the team’s 13 turnovers – 10 of those interceptions. All of his scores through the air have gone to three players in wide receiver Chris Godwin (6) and Mike Evans (4) and tight end Cameron Brate (2). While the Buccaneers were allowing the fewest yards per game on the ground entering Week 7, opponents have chosen to fly rather than drive as Todd Bowles’ defensive unit was ranked dead last in the NFL vs. the pass.

Next Week: Arians’ club gets back to action after some time off and heads to Nashville to take on the inconsistent Titans. The Buccaneers are 2-9 lifetime in a series that dates back to 1976 and have never defeated this franchise on the road (0-7), be it Houston or Tennessee. And four years ago, the Titans won easily at Tampa, 42-14.

Playoff hopes: Once again, the Bucs have shown that they are a team with talent. But turnovers continues to be a theme for this team, especially when it comes to the quarterback. And while the Tampa defense has shown some flashes, Bowles’ unit came into Week 7 allowing the most passing yards in the league. Still lots to be done here.

3-4. Previous: . Tennessee Titans. 23. team. 35.

Recap: Last week, quarterback Marcus Mariota was benched during the team’s eventual loss to the Broncos in favor of Ryan Tannehill. On Sunday, the former Miami Dolphins’ quarterback got the start against the Chargers in Nashville. And the 2012 first-round pick would hit on 23 of his 29 throws for 312 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception. Tannehill was sacked twice but more importantly led his team to 13 fourth-quarter points. The Tennessee defense limited the Chargers to only 39 yards on the ground. And just when it looked like the Bolts were going to steal the game late, the team got a goal line stop and stripped Melvin Gordon of the football.

Next Week: The Titans host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who will be coming their midseason vacation. The last time Nashville hosted this interconference series was 2011, when the home team emerged with a 23-17 victory. As for the last time these teams met in the regular season, Tennessee routed the Bucs at Tampa, 42-14, in 2015.

Playoff hopes: Mike Vrabel’s club came up with a huge victory and stayed within shouting distance of the Colts and Texans in the AFC South. Of course, that 0-2 division record doesn’t help but there’s still a lot of football left. The Tennessee offense really hit its stride in the second half and the club needs that to carry over into next week.

Next: Nos. 22 and 21

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