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

Recap: There’s little doubt that over the years, Mike Tomlin’s Steelers have had their share of problems in games where they were expected to win comfortably. Such as the case on Monday night against the 0-7 Miami Dolphins. Pittsburgh is looking to win two games in a row for the first time all season and also looking to take advantage of a three-game homes stand that also includes meetings with the Colts and the Rams. Second-year quarterback Mason Rudolph is back after missing time in concussion protocol. The real headline when it comes to this team is a group that has forced an impressive 15 turnovers in six games this year – equaling their 2018 season total.

Next Week: It’s the second of three straight home games for Tomlin’s squad as they take on Indianapolis six days after their Monday night clash with the Dolphins. The teams meet for the fifth time in six years dating back to 2014. All told, the Steelers have prevailed in their last five encounters with the Colts dating back to 2011.

Playoff hopes: A lot will depend on what Tomlin and company can accomplish in their next three games. Rudolph is back behind center and the Steelers are also getting some other players back. If the defense continues to be opportunistic, the team has a chance to make some noise. But it must start by winning a game you’re expected to.

Recap: Winners of three consecutive games following a 0-3-1 start, Kliff Kingsbury’s rising Cardinals headed to New Orleans looking to cool off a Saints’ club that had won its last five contests. But after looking like a team that was making some strides, the Cards ran into a club with no real weaknesses. Arizona was limited to 40 yards rushing, held the ball for only 22:01 and settled for three field goals. Rookie quarterback Kyler Murray took his lumps and while he and the team did not turn over the football, Kingsbury and company were held to 237 total yards. Murray was sacked three times while the Cards’ pass rush posed no real threat to Saints’ veteran quarterback Drew Brees.

Next Week: It’s a Thursday evening affair at Arizona and Kingsbury’s improving squad looks to maintain its recent dominance in this NFC West rivalry. A year ago, the Cardinals won three games and two of those victories were vs. the San Francisco 49ers. In fact, the Cards have defeated the Niners eight consecutive times dating back to 2015.

Playoff hopes: Everything that the Cardinals were able to do in their previous three games – all victories – were nowhere to be found on Sunday at the Superdome. The fact that every other team in the NFC West won on Sunday didn’t help Kingsbury’s club in the least. And now the Cards must deal with the first-place 49ers on a short week.

Next: Nos. 20 and 19