2019 NFL power rankings, Week 14: Bengals prevail, Colts collapse
Previous: . Los Angeles Chargers. 22. team. 13. . 4-8
Recap: It was a third consecutive game vs. an AFC West rival as Anthony Lynn’s squad traveled to Denver to take on a Broncos’ team that had knocked them off, 20-13, back in Week 5 at Los Angeles. On Saturday, the Chargers activated safeties Derwin James and Adrian Phillips from injured reserve and both played in this contest. But the Colts were down 14-0 after one quarter and while they managed to even things up in the closing seconds, a pass interference penalty late on Casey Hayward set up Denver’s 53-yard game-winning field goal. Philip Rivers had his ups and downs and the Chargers’ defense gave up only 218 total yards. But Lynn’s team found a way to lose again.
Next Week: Lynn’s disappointing squad makes the long trip east to the Sunshine State to face the Jaguars for the second time in three years looking to get back to their winning ways in a series that dates back to 2003. Two years ago, the Chargers fell at Jacksonville in overtime, 20-17, snapping the Bolts’ six-game winning streak in this setting.
Playoff hopes: Make it three straight losses, all of those to the rival Raiders, Chiefs and Broncos. The Chargers are also 0-4 vs. their divisional adversaries this season and have now lost twice as many games (8) as the club did during all of 2018. Lynn’s defense played fairly well after a tough start but it added up to another close setback.
45. . 4-8. Previous: . Denver Broncos. 21. team
Recap: The struggling Broncos welcomed the sliding Los Angeles Chargers to the Mile High City in position to sweep the Bolts for the first time since 2015. And head coach Vic Fangio would turn to rookie Drew Lock as the team’s third different starting quarterback this season. And the talented youngster would connect with wide receiver Courtland Sutton for scores of 26 and five yards, respectively, in the first quarter. Denver’s defense wound up giving up 359 total yards and the Chargers did manage to tie the score late after Fangio’s club owned a 14-point second-quarter lead. But kicker Brandon McManus connected from 53 yards out at the gun for the victory.
Next Week: The Broncos make their way to the Lone Star State and travel to Houston for the first time 2013 as these clubs clash for only the eighth time but the third time in four seasons. Last season at home (Week 9), Denver was on a short end of a 19-17 score. The Broncos own a one-game lead (4-3) in the overall series standings.
Playoff hopes: Fangio’s team still has some faint playoff hopes after completing the sweep of the rival Chargers. The Broncos have split their last eight games after that 0-4 start and made just enough plays on Sunday to rally for a win. Lots will be learned in terms of postseason chance the next two weeks with trips to Houston and Kansas City
Next: Nos. 20 and 19