2019 NFL power rankings, Week 12: Falcons rolling, Texans rolled

Recap: Both the Eagles and New England Patriots were off last week as the teams clashed in Philadelphia on Sunday. It was the first meeting between the clubs since the Birds’ 41-33 victory in Super Bowl LII two years ago. And on Friday, Doug Pederson’s club re-signed running back Jay Ajayi, who played a pivotal role in that Super Sunday win. But he would wind up not playing and not having Jordan Howard meant the Birds’ running game couldn’t properly exploit the Patriots’ suspect run defense. Philadelphia ran only 21 times for 81 yards and after jumping out to a 10-0 second-quarter lead, Pederson’s offense was stifled and Carson Wentz felt the heat.

Next Week: These Birds host the Seattle Seahawks for the first time since ’14 looking to snap a four-game losing streak to Pete Carroll’s club. The last meeting between the Eagles and ‘Hawks came two years ago on a Sunday night in the Pacific Northwest and resulted in a 24-10 loss by eventual Super Bowl champion LII Philadelphia.

Playoff hopes: The Eagles have now slipped one game behind the Cowboys in the NFC East. The team’s offense was limited by injuries on Sunday and the Philadelphia defense – which gave up just one touchdown in the seven-point loss – probably deserved a better fate. It shaped up as a very frustrated setback for the battered Birds.

Recap: With a little extra time to prepare, the resurgent Raiders hosted the league’s only winless team in the 0-9 Cincinnati Bengals. And the Silver and Black would make it three consecutive victories and moved to two games above .500. Rookie running back Josh Jacobs ran 23 times for 112 yards but also lost a fumble. On the other hand, teammate Derek Carr was on his game, hitting on 25-of-29 passes for 292 yards and one score. While he was sacked three times, he never put the ball on the ground. The Oakland defense had its issues against the run but the pass rush came up big again with five more sacks. And tight end Darren Waller continues his excellent season.

Next Week: The Raiders make their way east to face the New York Jets as these teams meet for the first time for the second time in three years. Oakland has prevailed in the last two meetings, the latest a 45-20 home triumph in 2017. But the Silver and Black has dropped five straight road games in this longtime series dating back to ’97.

Playoff hopes: Entering Monday night’s tilt between the Chiefs and Chargers in Mexico City, the Raiders owned the same 6-4 record as Kansas City. This is a team that has already won two more games than it did a year ago and one that is seemingly growing with confidence. But now after three straight home games, Gruden’s club hits the road.

Next: Nos. 12 and 11