2019 NFL power rankings, Week 11: Steelers jumping, Chiefs slumping
60. . 7-3. Previous: . Minnesota Vikings. 6. team
Recap: In what proved to be an entertaining affair at Arrowhead Stadium, the Vikings saw their four-game winning streak snapped by the Chiefs. Now the club faced another tough assignment in a trip to Dallas. It proved to be quite the offensive duel as both team struggled to stop the other. While quarterback Kirk Cousins led his team to a 14-0 first-quarter lead thanks to a pair of touchdown passes to tight end Kyle Rudolph, running back Dalvin Cook enjoyed a huge night – totaling 186 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown. Cousins would throw for 220 yards and the aforementioned scores. The Vikings’ defense limited Ezekial Elliot to 47 yards rushing on 20 carries.
Next Week: In a series that began way back in 1972, it’s all even between the Vikings and Denver Broncos. While the clubs have split their previous four meetings, Minnesota has dropped three straight in this interconference setting. When last the Vikings hosted the Broncos, the Purple Gang came up short in a wild 35-32 setback.
Playoff hopes: There were some surprising results around the league on Sunday and some may put the Vikings’ win at Dallas in that category. But Zimmer’s team continues to silence some of the critics and the club has now won five of its last six games after a shaky 2-2 start. Minnesota’s offense is as balanced as any in the league.
49. . 8-2. Previous: . Green Bay Packers. 5. team
Recap: Off a disappointing performance at Los Angeles vs. the Chargers, the NFC North leaders returned home and took on the surprising Carolina Panthers. Last Sunday, the team’s issues when it comes to stopping the run once again reared its ugly head. And versatile Christian McCaffrey became the latest running back to run for at least 100 yards against Matt LaFleur’s squad. But it was Green Bay’s ground attack that came up big as Aaron Jones totaled 93 yards and three touchdowns on 13 carries and Jamaal Williams added 63 yards on 13 attempts. Aaron Rodgers threw for 233 yards without a score as the Pack played turnover-free football and held off the Panthers late.
Next Week: LaFleur’s club has a week off and looks to get ready for the stretch run. When the Packers do get back to football, they will head to the west coast to take on the vastly-improved San Francisco 49ers. The clubs met last season on a Monday night at Lambeau Field (Week 6) and Green Bay rallied for a thrilling 33-30 victory.
Playoff hopes: The Packers remain atop the NFC North thanks to a hard-earned win over a Panthers’ team that had success moving the football against Mike Pettine’s slumping defense. Still, it was the Green Bay running game that had its way against Carolina’s defense. And the opportunistic Packers came up with two more takeaways.
Next: Nos. 4 and 3