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

Recap: It wasn’t all that long ago that the Lions just couldn’t get out of their own way when facing the Redskins. Including playoffs, Detroit once dropped 18 consecutive games in the series. But it’s the Men from Motown that own the upper hand as of late and had beaten the ‘Skins four consecutive times heading into Sunday’s tilt at Washington. Running back Bo Scarborough had another productive outing despite losing a fumble, running 18 times for 98 yards as Detroit totaled 175 yards on the ground. However, quarterback Jeff Driskel was sacked six times and threw three interceptions. The Lions’ defensive unit did not give up a touchdown and the team still lost.

Next Week: For the second consecutive year, the Lions will host the Bears on Thanksgiving Day. These longtime rivals met back in Week 10 at Soldier Field and the home team claimed a 20-13 win. Detroit has dropped three in a row in the series after winning nine of the previous 10 meetings. The Lions are 37-40-2 lifetime on Thanksgiving.

Playoff hopes: The Lions appear to be headed towards another last-place finish in the NFC North as they dropped their seventh game in their last eight outings after that 2-0-1 start. Detroit’s special teams played a big role in this setback but minus Stafford and a few other pieces, this is not a very talented team and not playing good football.

Recap: The rejuvenated Falcons were back at home and looked to continue their recent winning ways as they hosted the erratic Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dan Quinn’s team was coming off wins at New Orleans and at Carolina and did not allow a touchdown in either contest. But that was hardly the case against the Bucs as Atlanta’s pass rush failed to sack Jameis Winston. And while they stole two of his passes, he also threw for 313 yards and three scores. Meanwhile, Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan was sacked six times and despite throwing for 271 yards, failed to find the end zone, served up another interception and saw one of two fumbles returned for a touchdown.

Next Week: Just like the Bears and Lions, the Falcons and Saints will meet on Thanksgiving for the second straight season. Only this time around, Quinn’s team will host the NFC South leaders and Atlanta is in position to sweep this series for the first time since 2016. Back in Week 10 at the Superdome, the Falcons came up with a 26-9 win.

Playoff hopes: Just when the Atlanta defense looked like it had turned things around, they were humbled at home by a Tampa Bay attack that had been mistake-prone throughout the season and did have its share of missteps on Sunday. The Falcons have been eliminated from winning the NFC South and the disappointing season continues.

Next: Nos. 24 and 23