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

Recap: With a little extra time off following a lopsided Thursday night home loss to the Chiefs, Vic Fangio’s squad made their way to Indianapolis to take on the improving Colts. And once again, the Broncos couldn’t hang onto a late lead. Of course, it was also a day where the club didn’t generate a lot of offense as Denver has now been limited to 16 points or less in six of their eight outings this year. The Broncos’ defense did come up with four sacks of Colts’ quarterback Jacoby Brissett and forced him into a turnover. But outside linebacker Von Miller couldn’t wrap up Indianapolis’ tough signal-caller deep in his own territory, opening the door for another late setback.

Next Week: The Broncos host the Browns for the second consecutive season and look to get back to their winning ways at home in this series. A season ago on a Saturday night in Week 15, Denver saw its 11-game winning streak over the Browns snapped via a 17-16 loss. And it was Cleveland’s first road win in this setting since 1990.

Playoff hopes: Another week and another game where the Denver offense fails to hold up its end of the bargain. And for the third time this year, the Broncos’ defense allowed an opponent to march down the field late in the game and come away with a game-winning field goal. And suddenly Denver is alone in the AFC West basement.

Recap: Bruce Arians’ club had an extra week of preparation for their interconference tussle with the Titans. Be it Houston or Tennessee, the Buccaneers had yet to post a road victory (0-7) in this series. And that dubious number increased by one more loss as quarterback Jameis Winston had his good and bad moments. He would throw for 301 yards and a pair of scores – both to wide receiver Mike Evans (who totaled 11 receptions for 198 yards). But there were four more turnovers by the fifth-year signal-caller. The Bucs looked as if they had made the crucial play after thwarting a fake punt and scoring on a lost fumble. But an early whistle likely cost this team dearly.

Next Week: It’s the 14th-lifetime meeting between the two franchises that entered the National Football League together in 1976. The Buccaneers make their first appearance in Seattle since 2013 and look to continue some recent success in this series. Tampa Bay is 4-1 in their last five meetings with the Seahawks dating back to ‘08.

Playoff hopes: Admittedly, Arians’ team may have gotten a bad break or two in this latest loss. But it was also another mistake-prone effort from Winston despite he and Evans combining for a big afternoon. And as the talented New Orleans Saints continue to win, the Buccaneers continue to sink deeper in the NFC South.

Next: Nos. 24 and 23