2019 NFL power rankings, Week 13: Jets soar, Eagles grounded

Recap: Thanks to six wins in their last seven contests, Mike Zimmer’s team had already equaled the club’s win total of a year ago and were very much in contention for a third division title in five years. While the Minnesota defense has not been its usual imposing self, it’s been quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Dalvin Cook and the Vikings’ offense that has been carrying the load these days. Cook has already run for 1,017 yards and 11 scores and is second on the team with 45 receptions (for 455 yards). Cousins overcame a shaky start and has hit on 70.6 percent of his throws, good for 2,756 yards and 21 scores compared to only three interceptions and six total turnovers.

Next Week: For the second straight year, the Vikings head to the Pacific Northwest for a Monday night battle with the Seahawks. Last season in Week 14, Zimmer’s club was corralled by Pete Carroll’s club, 21-7. Dating back to 2012 and including a playoff loss four years ago, the Purple Gang has dropped five straight games to the ‘Hawks.

Playoff hopes: This is a club playing with a great deal of confidence this year, something the Vikings seemed to lack a season ago. While the defense hasn’t looked like its usual self, Cousins and the Minnesota attack has really hit its stride the last two months. And next Monday’s night clash with the 9-2 Seahawks will have a playoff feel to it.

Recap: Pete Carroll’s club returned to action and looked for its fourth consecutive win as they traveled to the east coast to face the perplexing Eagles. Russell Wilson was sacked six times and after turning over the ball only three times in the team’s first 10 games threw an interception and lost a fumble on Sunday. But Carroll also got 174 yards rushing from Rashaad Penny and company as the former first-round pick totaled 129 yards on the ground, 58 of those on a touchdown run. Seattle totaled three sacks of Carson Wentz and forced the sloppy Birds into five turnovers. It was only the second time this season the ‘Hawks scored less than 20 points but they got the win.

Next Week: The ‘Hawks head back home after their battle in Philadelphia and host the 8-3 Minnesota Vikings, who will be coming off their midseason break. It’s the second consecutive year these clubs will battle on a Monday night at Seattle. A year ago (Week 14), Carroll’s defense shackled Kirk Cousins and company by a 21-7 count.

Playoff hopes: It was one of the Seahawks’ uglier performances of the season. But it did wrap up the club’s ninth victory of the season, meaning the team has now ensured itself a winning record for the eighth consecutive year and all with Wilson at the helm. Carroll’s squad is 6-0 on the road after finishing 4-4 away from home last season.

Next: Nos. 4 and 3