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

Recap: Winners of two straight games since the team closed out the 2017 season with back-to-back victories, the Cards were looking to make it three consecutive wins since ’15 as they traveled east to face the Giants. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s squad opened up a 14-0 first quarter lead and out-gained New York, 141-3, after 15 minutes of play. After taking a 17-point lead, the Cardinals watched New York climb back into the game. But this game would belong to an Arizona defense that welcomed back cornerback Patrick Peterson. Kingsbury’s squad totaled eight sacks and its first interception of the year. And three takeaways equaled the team’s total from its first six games.

Next Week: The rejuvenated Cardinals head to the Big Easy for the first time since falling to the Saints, 31-7, at the Superdome six years ago. As for the last time these two clubs squared off, host Arizona came up short via a wild 48-41 loss in 2016. The Cards and Saints will meet for the third time in five seasons dating back to 2015.

Playoff hopes: The good news is that the team is riding a three-game winning streak for the first time in four years. The bad news is that the Cards are in a division where no team is below .500 and they are bringing up the rear in the NFC West. Kingsbury’s club has found different ways to win the last three weeks and that’s encouraging.

Recap: The extremely-brief Jalen Ramesy Era came to an end last week when the talented cornerback was sent to the Los Angeles Rams via trade. The Jaguars netted a first-round pick in 2020 and first- and fourth-round selections in 2021. Minus the talented defender, the team traveled north to the Queen City and got back on the winning track at the expense of the winless Bengals. Running back Leonard Fournette had 131 of the club’s 216 yards rushing. Gardner Minshew threw for 255 yards and one score and also connected with Chris Conley on a two-point conversion. Josh Lambo kicked four field goals and Doug Marrone’s team came up with four takeaways.

Next Week: The Jaguars are back home for the second time in three weeks and take on the Jets for the second time in three years. Last season at Jacksonville in Week 4, Marrone’s club handled New York by a 31-12 score. Including a playoff meeting between the franchises back in 1998, the clubs have split their 14 overall meetings.

Playoff hopes: While Marrone’s club is still below the .500 mark, the Jaguars have shown vast improvement from a year ago, especially when it comes to the offensive side of the ball. The team owns a 1-1 record within the division and still has two games remaining with the Indianapolis Colts. They are still very much a factor in the AFC South.

Next: Nos. 18 and 17