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

By Russell S. Baxter

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 17: Marlon Mack #25 of the Indianapolis Colts runs for a touchdown during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 17: Marlon Mack #25 of the Indianapolis Colts runs for a touchdown during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 17: Tarik Cohen #29 of the Chicago Bears runs with the ball during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 17: Tarik Cohen #29 of the Chicago Bears runs with the ball during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

57. . 4-6. Previous: . Chicago Bears. 20. team

Recap: For the second consecutive year, the Bears and Los Angeles Rams would meet on a Sunday night. This time, the game was on the West Coast opposed to the Windy City. Both of these defending division champions had already lost more games than they did a year ago entering this important clash. It was another disappointing performance by a club that had such high hopes. Matt Nagy’s team ran 74 plays on offense and controlled the clock for 32:44. But it amounted to only 267 total yards and seven points. Meanwhile, the Chicago defense had some problems with the Rams’ power running game early on as Chuck Pagano’s squad allowed 110 yards rushing.

Next Week: The Bears play host to the New York Giants for the first time since 2013 as these clubs battle for the third time in four seasons. A year ago in Week 13 at East Rutherford, Nagy’s team came up short in overtime, 30-27. All told, Chicago has dropped four of the last five meetings between these very successful organizations.

Playoff hopes: Both the rival Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings have won twice as many games as the defending NFC North champions. The team’s offense remains lifeless and the kicking game appears to be an issue again. And what to make of Chase Daniel taking over for Trubisky (reported hip issue) late in the fourth quarter?

13. . 4-6. Previous: . Los Angeles Chargers. 19. team

Recap: Some felt that the Chargers could get off to a rough start due to the number of key absences. The injury-related loss of standout safety Derwin James (who could be back on the field later this year) along with an early-season holdout by running back Melvin Gordon (who returned to the club in last September) has made for an uneven year from the get-go. The bright spot in 2019 for Anthony’s Lynn’s squad was a convincing 26-11 win over the NFC North-leading Green Bay Packers in Week 9. But the team has spent the majority of the year finding ways to lose. Quarterback Philip Rivers has had his struggles, throwing for 14 scores while committing 12 turnovers.

Next Week: The Bolts’ next game will be in two weeks when they face the Denver Broncos for the second time this season. In Week 5 Los Angeles, Lynn’s club dug itself an early hole and fell, 20-13. The Chargers will play three of their final five contests away from home, including trips to Jacksonville (Week 14) and Kansas City (Week 17).

Playoff hopes: It’s been an incredibly disappointing year for Lynn’s club, who finished 12-4 a season ago, earned a wild card berth and won a playoff game. But these Chargers have already dropped six contests in 2019, including a pair within the division. However, the Chiefs aren’t pulling away in the AFC West and the Bolts still have a chance.

Next: Nos. 18 and 17

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