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

Recap: Jason Garrett’s club had dropped four of its six games entering Sunday’s clash with the Lions at Detroit. The Cowboys were down early after an Ezekiel Elliott fumble set up a Lions’ touchdown. But the Dallas’ offense was in superior mode as quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 444 yards and three scores. While Amari Cooper was limited to three grabs for 38 yards, both Michael Gallup (148) and Randall Cobb (115) broke the century mark receiving and the latter found the end zone as well. The potent Cowboys nearly outgained the host Lions by 200 yards (509-312), raised their road record to 3-2 and scored at least 30 points for the sixth time in 10 outings this season.

Next Week: The perplexing Cowboys make their way to Foxborough for the first time since 2011 looking to end their losing ways in this intriguing interconference pairing. After prevailing in the first seven meetings with the New England Patriots from 1971-96, Dallas has dropped five straight games with the Pats dating back to 1999.

Playoff hopes: While the Cowboys boast a 5-3 record within the conference, four of those wins are vs. their NFC East rivals while the mark includes setbacks to contenders such as the Saints, Packers and Vikings. Dallas’ defense continues to have its ups and downs, but Prescott and the offense have been the saving grace for Garrett’s club.

Recap: Those looking for a persistent running game combined with just enough passing and complimented with one of the better defenses in the league may want to hop in your DeLorean and fine tune the flux capacitor. Pete Carroll’s team has won eight of its first 10 games mainly on the talents of eight-year quarterback Russell Wilson. There’s a 68.5 completion percentage, 23 touchdown passes and just three total turnovers. Running back Chris Carson has run for 853 yards and four scores while the wide receiver combination of Tyler Lockett and rookie D.K. Metcalf have combined for nearly half (11) of Wilson’s scores. But thank goodness for an opportunistic defense.

Next Week: Carroll’s refreshed club heads east to the City of Brotherly Love for the first time since 2014 looking to continue their recent success in this series. The Seahawks have prevailed in their last four meetings with the Philadelphia Eagles, the latest victory by the club a 24-10 triumph two years ago on a Sunday night at Seattle.

Playoff hopes: These are certainly not the Seahawks that reached the playoffs five straight years (2012-16) and did it with a lot of defense and a persistent ground attack. Wilson has had quite the year and is a no-brainer when it comes to the league MVP discussion. But how long can Carroll’s team survive without some semblance of defense?

Next: Nos. 6 and 5