2019 NFL power rankings, Week 14: Bengals prevail, Colts collapse
New Orleans Saints. 4. team. 15. . 10-2. Previous:
Recap: The Saints made their way to Atlanta for a Thanksgiving night affair to face a Falcons’ team that handed them a 26-9 loss at the Superdome back in Week 10. New Orleans’ defense had gone through its ups and downs in recent weeks but a win would give Sean Payton’s team another NFC South crown. The Saints played turnover-free football and a revamped offensive line did but did have some issues late on special teams, failing to field a pair of onside kicks. But this game belonged to Dennis Allen’s defensive unit, which totaled nine sacks of Atlanta’s Matt Ryan – four of those by end Cameron Jordan – and forced the veteran quarterback into three costly turnovers.
Next Week: The newly-crowned NFC South champions host the physical San Francisco 49ers in a clash between double-digit victory teams. The clubs last met three years ago at Levi’s Stadium and Payton’s team came away with a 41-23 triumph. But the Saints fell to the Niners, 27-24, in 2014 the last time they played host in this series.
Playoff hopes: Make it three straight division titles for Payton’s club, who have rebounded to win their last three games after that strange home loss to the Falcons. The NFC South champions are playoff seasoned and look to secure one of the top two playoff seeds in the conference. And this is obviously a dangerous team when healthy.
47. . 10-2. Previous: . New England Patriots. 3. team
Recap: The AFC East leaders combined to score just 30 points in their previous two games but managed wins over the Eagles and Cowboys. Now the Patriots headed south to take on the formidable Houston Texans in prime time. After settling for an early field goal, Bill Belichick’s team would watch the home team respond with 21 consecutive points and New England was unable to catch up. Tom Brady did manage to complete at least 50 percent of his passes (24-of-47) for 326 yards and three scores, as well as one interception. But the Pats’ heralded defensive unit, which had allowed only four TD passes in their first 11 games, gave up four scores through the air on Sunday.
Next Week: Belichick’s club face a fifth straight 2018 playoff participant as they host the Chiefs for the third consecutive year. A year ago, the Patriots managed two wins over Andy Reid’s club, including a 37-31 overtime victory at Kansas City in the AFC Championship Game. There was also a 43-30 Sunday night home win in Week 6.
Playoff hopes: With an opportunity to grab a playoff invitation with a victory, a late New England rally fell short. Now the Patriots find themselves just one game ahead of the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East and tied with the Baltimore Ravens for the best record in the conference. This week’s clash with the Chiefs is suddenly very pivotal.
Next: Nos. 2 and 1