2019 NFL power rankings, Week 15: 49ers impress, Patriots depressed
Some playoff berths were secured and there was a stunner or two. How did it all affect the latest edition of the NFL Power Rankings?
1-12. Previous: . Cincinnati Bengals. 32. team. 56.
Recap: Off their first victory of the season, Zac Taylor’s club looked to make it two in a row as they headed to Cleveland to face the rival Browns. Last Sunday against the Jets, quarterback Andy Dalton made his return to the starting lineup and was sharp. And he would wind up throwing for 262 yards albeit without a scoring but his one interception was returned for a score. Cincinnati’s real offensive star of the afternoon was Joe Mixon, who rolled up 146 yards rushing and scored the Bengals’ only touchdown in the game. Taylor’s team also came up with a pair of interceptions of Baker Mayfield. Settling for four field goals and only one touchdown was the team’s undoing.
Next Week: The Bengals host the New England Patriots for the first time since 2013 and look to duplicate the success the last time they faced this team in Cincinnati. Six years ago at Paul Brown Stadium, the home team stifled Tom Brady and company, 13-6. But the Bengals are just 1-6 in their last seven meetings with the Pats.
Draft Talk: If the Bengals do wind up with the first overall pick in April’s draft, will they opt for a quarterback? A year ago, Cincinnati allowed the most total yards and passing yards in the NFL. This season, the team is once again near the bottom of the league in the defensive rankings. There are major needs on this side of the football.
New York Giants. 31. team. 31. . 2-10. Previous:
Recap: With rookie quarterback Daniel Jones nursing a high ankle sprain, veteran signal-caller Eli Manning would get the starting nod on Monday at Philadelphia and hoped to help his team snap an eight-game losing streak. The Giants were also looking to end a five-game skid to the Eagles as well. It’s been a miserable year for a franchise that has now lost at least 10 games for the third straight year – something the Giants haven’t experienced since the 1978-80 seasons. Along with a disturbing 28 turnovers in a dozen contests, the New York defense has been one of the most inept in the league. Big Blue has already surrendered 35 offensive touchdowns – 22 through the air.
Next Week: Big Blue is back at home after their Monday night appearance at Philadelphia and hosts the improving Miami Dolphins for the first time since 2011. All told, the Giants have won six of the previous eight games between these franchises, including the last three meetings – the latest a 31-24 Monday night triumph in 2015 at Miami.
Draft Talk: Which direction will GM Dave Gettleman go in April? Jones appears to be the team’s quarterback for the foreseeable future and Barkley’s disappointing 2019 showing can be attributed in part to injuries. But that Giants’ defense is in dire need of help everywhere and it must be addressed in various ways during the offseason.
Next: Nos. 30 and 29