2019 NFL power rankings, Week 13: Jets soar, Eagles grounded
. 8-3. Previous: . Buffalo Bills. 8. team. 16
Recap: With one more win than they managed all of last season, the Bills returned home and took on the Broncos. Quarterback Josh Allen earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after his solid performance against the Dolphins at Miami. And his sharp play continued against the visiting Broncos despite one interception as he threw touchdown passes to Cole Beasley (18 yards) and John Brown (34 yards) and also ran nine times for 56 yards. But this game belonged to Buffalo’s defense, which allowed only 134 total yards, sacked Brandon Allen four times and stole one pass. The Bills ran for 244 yards as ageless Frank Gore moved into third place on the all-time rushing list.
Next Week: The Bills make their first appearance on Turkey Day since 1994 and first appearance in Dallas since 2011 as these two-time Super Bowl foes clash for the 13th overall time. Buffalo owns a 4-8 overall mark in this setting but when last these franchises met, the Bills came away with a 16-6 victory four years ago at Orchard Park.
Playoff hopes: McDermott’s club has certainly had its down moments this season. But with an 8-3 mark and much of the rest of the conference scrambling to stay above .500, the Bills are in a very advantageous position when it comes to grabbing a second playoff spot in three years. It’s a team that can punish both on offense and defense.
8-3. Previous: . Green Bay Packers. 7. team. 49.
Recap: The well-rested NFC North leaders made their way to the Bay Area as the Packers and San Francisco 49ers clashed in a prime time battle of first-place teams. An early lost fumble by quarterback Aaron Rodgers set up a short Niners’ touchdown run. The NFC North leaders were limited to only 60 total yards after two quarters and Green Bay was 0-for-9 on third-down. It didn’t get much better in the second half as the Pack finished 1-of-15 on third down and 1-of-3 on fourth down. Green Bay’s defense did its best but gave up too many big pass plays, most notably in scores to San Francisco tight end George Kittle (61 yards) and teammate Deebo Samuel (42 yards).
Next Week: The Packers make their way to East Rutherford as they battle the New York Giants for the first time since 2016. Three years ago, Green Bay beat Big Blue twice – with both of those games at Lambeau Field and the second a 38-13 win in the wild card playoffs. The Pack’s last road tilt in this series resulted in a 27-13 loss in ’13.
Playoff hopes: For the second time this season, Matt LaFleur’s club went out to the west coast and laid a cheesy omelet. The Packers sorely missed right tackle Bryan Bulaga, who went down early in the game as Rodgers wound up being sacked five times. Still, the team still owns a 3-0 record vs. their NFC North rivals despite the ugly loss.
Next: Nos. 6 and 5