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

Recap: A loss by Bill Callahan’s team at home on Sunday to Detroit Lions would officially eliminate the Redskins from playoff attention. Rookie Dwayne Hopkins would finish the game connecting on just 13 of his 29 throws for 156 yards, was sacked three times and turned over the ball twice. Speaking of getting to the quarterback, the much-maligned Washington defense sacked Lions’ signal-caller Jeff Driskel six times and stole three of his passes. Steven Sims 91-yard kickoff return to pay dirt meant the Washington’s special team scored all 19 points. Dustin Hopkins’ fourth field goal of the game with 16 seconds remaining gave the Redskins their second win of the year.

Next Week: The Redskins head south to Charlotte for the first time since 2015 looking to knock off the Panthers for the second straight year. Last season in Week 6 at FedExField, Washington snapped a five-game losing streak in this series via a 23-17 triumph. The ‘Skins’ last appearance at Carolina resulted in a 44-16 setback four years ago.

Playoff hopes: Credit the Washington special teams for the Redskins’ second victory of the season as the team’s offensive unit failed to score a touchdown for the fourth time in five games. Hence, Callahan’s club is now battling the Giants for the basement berth in the NFC East, not exactly what the franchise had in mind this offseason.

Recap: Brian Flores’ team, playing much better football as of late, made its way north to Cleveland to take on the Browns. It would be a rough afternoon for the Miami defense as they surrendered 28 points and 266 total yards in the first two quarters. The Dolphins would respond with 17 straight points and closed the gap to 11 points entering the final 15 minutes of the game. But Flores’ defensive unit really had no answers for a Cleveland attack that finished the afternoon with 467 yards and five offensive touchdowns. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 214 yards and two touchdowns and also ran for another score. But he was sacked four times and served up two interceptions.

Next Week: The Dolphins welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to South Florida for the first time since 2011. The clubs last met four years ago in the City of Brotherly Love and Miami came away with a 20-19 triumph. As for the last time the Dolphins hosted this interconference series, the home team fell to the Birds, 26-10, eight years ago.

Playoff hopes: While the Dolphins played better after falling behind by 28 points, the loss ensured another sub-.500 campaign for a franchise that has reached the postseason only twice since the NFL realigned in 2002. It’s a team that has shown some progress under Flores but unfortunately that may not be appreciated until next year.

Next: Nos. 28 and 27