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

Recap: Loser of three consecutive games, all of those setbacks by seven points or less, a 2-5 Chargers’ team that finished 12-4 a year ago made its way to the Windy City to face the Bears. It was far from a thing of beauty and Anthony Lynn’s team was limited to 231 total yards at Soldier Field, including just 36 yards on the ground. But it as the Bears that made a few more mistakes than the Bolts on this occasion and Los Angeles took a one-point lead midway through the fourth quarter. The Bears would mount a late drive and looked like they would extend the Chargers’ recent misery. But a game-winning field goal attempt went wide left and Lynn’s squad survived.

Next Week: The struggling Chargers are back home following a two-game road swing and host the Green Bay Packers for the first time since 2011. The teams last met at Lambeau Field four years ago and the Bolts came up short by a 27-20 count. It was the team’s seventh consecutive loss to the Packers dating back to 1993.

Playoff hopes: It’s been a season of nail-biters for Lynn’s club and this time around, things went the Bolts’ way thanks to a missed field goal at the gun. The Chargers’ defense did take advantage of a Chicago offensive unit that has been less-than-scintillating. The big question is whether the club can start to string some wins together?

Recap: Off a heart-stopping 23-20 win over the Chargers, Tennessee was at home again and welcomed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Nashville for the first time since 2011. So could quarterback Ryan Tannehill take advantage of the NFL’s worst pass defense? The former Dolphins’ first-round pick threw for a modest 193 yards but did connect for three touchdowns despite being sacked three times. Meanwhile, Mike Vrabel’s club took advantage of Bucs’ quarterback Jameis Winston’s penchant for turnovers. Despite watching him throw for 301 yards and two scores, Tennessee defenders sacked him three times, stole two of his passes and collected two of his three fumbles.

Next Week: The Titans make the short trip to Charlotte for the first time since 2011 as this interconference series is renewed for only the sixth time. The clubs first met in ’96 when the franchise was known as the Houston Oilers and lost to the Panthers at the Astrodome. But the Titans have won both previous meetings played in Charlotte.

Playoff hopes: While he’s been far from spectacular, Tannehill has been efficient and suddenly the Titans are back at the .500 mark. And that means there’s no team in the AFC South with a losing record. Yes, two of Tennessee’s four losses are within the division. But in a wide-open conference, there’s plenty of time for this team to move up.

Next: Nos. 22 and 21