2019 NFL power rankings, Week 9: Eagles rebound, Panthers humbled

Recap: A week ago, Frank Reich’s resourceful club came up with a gutsy win over the visiting Texans. Now the rejuvenated Colts were home for a second straight Sunday and had to deal with a stubborn Denver team that gave them all they could handle. And first-place Indianapolis trailed 13-6 in the third quarter. But the Colts once again gathered themselves for some late heroics. Jacoby Brissett overcame four sacks and a lost fumble and threw for 202 yards. And he and wide receiver T.Y. Hilton combined for the big play late in the fourth quarter as Reich’s team moved downfield. While it was a rough day for Adam Vinatieri, he also nailed the game-winner from 51 yards out.

Next Week: The Colts make their first appearance in the Steel City since 2015 looking to snap their latest losing streak in the series. Indianapolis has dropped five in a row to the Steelers dating back to 2011, the latest a narrow 20-17 home loss in ’17. Including playoffs, the Colts are just 2-14 lifetime at Pittsburgh dating back to 1968.

Playoff hopes: Make it three consecutive victories for a group that a few weeks ago was scratching their collective helmets after a Week 4 home loss to the Raiders. And it’s also worth noting that all four teams in the AFC South won on Sunday. The Colts did have a lot of momentum these days and are finding various ways to win games.

Recap: Looking to bounce back from their second home loss of the season, Pete Carroll’s club looked to remain unbeaten on the road as they headed east to Atlanta to take on the struggling Falcons. Seattle’s ground game would roll up 151 yards on 33 attempts, with running back gaining 90 yards on 20 carries while scoring once. Russell Wilson threw for just 182 yards but hit on 14 of his 20 tosses – two for touchdowns. And both of those scores went to rookie wideout D.K. Metcalf, while speedy T.J. Lockett caught six passes for 100 yards. The Seattle defense surrendered a whopping 512 total yards but also forced three turnovers in the seven-point win.

Next Week: The Seahawks are back home for the second time in three weeks and host the Buccaneers. The clubs last met in 2016 in Tampa and Carroll’s team was on the short end of a 14-5 score. On the other hand, the ‘Hawks still own the edge in the lifetime standings (8-5) between franchises that both entered the league 43 years ago.

Playoff hopes: Carroll’s players washed the taste of last week’s loss to the Ravens out of their collective mouths and the team remained perfect on the road (4-0) this season. The Seahawks are more reliant on their offense these days and with Wilson at the controls, the team is in good hands. But the defense must eventually get better.

Next: Nos. 6 and 5