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

Recap: With some extra time to think about what happened in London in the fourth quarter against the Raiders, Matt Nagy’s team returned to the field and hosted the first-place New Orleans Saints. But things only got worse for the defending NFC North champions as they were pushed around by their guests. After giving up 169 yards on the ground to the Raiders two weeks ago in London, Chuck Pagano’s unit returned to actions and gave up 151 yards rushing and 424 total yards to the Saints. Chicago finished with 25 points but their offensive unit didn’t reach the end zone until there were less than three minutes left in the game. The Bears were simply overmatched.

Next Week: Nagy’s team faces its third AFC West foe of the season as the Los Angeles Chargers visit Chicago for the first time since 2011. The Bears have won the last two meetings in this interconference series, the latest clash coming four years ago on a Monday night in San Diego, 22-19. Chicago is 6-1 in this setting dating back to 1993.

Playoff hopes: Two straight losses have now relegated Nagy’s team to third place in a division and chasing the 6-1 Packers and 5-2 Vikings. The Bears’ defense has now been pushed around in the trenches in consecutive outings. Can this team regain its winning formula? Chicago has struggled to put together a complete performance this year.

Recap: The erratic Eagles were back on the road for a prime time clash with the Cowboys. A year ago, Doug Pederson’s club was swept by their longtime NFC East rivals and the team’s recent misery in this series continues on Sunday evening. Quarterback Carson Wentz was sacked three times and committed three of the team’s four turnovers. On the other hand, Jim Schwartz’s defensive unit had no answers for a Dallas’ attack that rolled up 402 total yards, including 189 on the ground. Philadelphia’s pass rush did sack Dak Prescott three times. But the Birds dug themselves a 27-7 halftime hole and never really threatened the Cowboys in a disappointing performance.

Next Week: It’s an intriguing interconference battle at Orchard Park as the Eagles make their way to Buffalo for the first time since 2011. Philadelphia owns a 7-6 lifetime edge in the standings in an interconference series that began back in 1973. However, the Birds came up short in their last trip to Buffalo, falling 31-24 eight years ago.

Playoff hopes: The same inconsistency issues that plagued this team last season are rearing their ugly head once again. The defense has been torched the past two weeks as Philadelphia has surrendered a combined 75 points in their road losses to the Vikings and Cowboys. And things don’t get any easier next week against the Bills at Buffalo.

Next: Nos. 16 and 15