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2019 NFL power rankings, Week 15: 49ers impress, Patriots depressed

By Russell S. Baxter

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter in the game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 08, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter in the game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 08, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 08: Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien looks on during the NFL game between the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans on December 8, 2019 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. (Photo by Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 08: Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien looks on during the NFL game between the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans on December 8, 2019 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. (Photo by Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

10. . 8-5. Previous: . Houston Texans. 12. team

Recap: Off an important victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Patriots, the Texans were home for the third consecutive week and took on the pesky 4-8 Broncos. And another game in front of their own fans didn’t prove to be very charming as Bill O’Brien’s club was embarrassed at home by a team struggling to finish with a winning season. Houston trailed by 35 points in the third quarter before Deshaun Watson threw one touchdown pass and ran for two other scores. But he also committed two of the Texans’ three turnovers and wide receiver Keke Coutee had a fumble returned 70 yards for a touchdown by former Houston teammate Kareem Jackson.

Next Week: It’s the first of two meetings in the final three weeks between the Texans and Tennessee Titans. A year ago, the clubs split their two-game set for the third consecutive season as both teams prevailed at home. O’Brien’s team has dropped three straight at Nashville, including a 20-17 setback a year ago in Week 2.

Playoff Hopes: There’s now a flat-footed tie atop the AFC South as the Texans and Tennessee Titans own identical 8-5 records. As previously mentioned, the clubs will meet in Week 15 and also in the regular-season finale – the second game at Houston. Romeo Crennel’s defense was embarrassed on Sunday and he needs to fix a few things.

Pittsburgh Steelers. 11. team. 55. . 8-5. Previous:

Recap: The opportunistic Steelers headed west to the desert to renew acquaintances with the Cardinals. The teams last met in 2015 and it was Pittsburgh’s first appearance in Arizona since 2011. And head coach Mike Tomlin showed a lot of confidence in his defensive unit as the Pittsburgh offense managed only 275 total yards. Rookie wide receiver Diontae Johnson had quite the afternoon. He caught six passes for 60 yards and one score. He also returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown and also came up with a key 16-yard run. And the aforementioned defense came up big in crunch time, picking off Kyler Murray three times and sacking the rookie on five occasions.

Next Week: Tomlin’s team host the much-improved Buffalo Bills in a contest that was flexed to Sunday night as these current playoff contenders clash for the first time since 2016. That year, the Steelers won at snowy Orchard Park, 27-20. As for the clubs’ last contest at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh came away with a 23-10 triumph in 2013.

Playoff Hopes: Make it three straight wins and eight victories in their last 10 games since that forgettable 0-3 start. And with the Bills losing at home on Sunday, the Steelers could make things interesting with a win next Sunday night. Tomlin’s team leads the NFL with 33 takeaways and while it hasn’t been pretty, they’re getting the job done.

Next: Nos. 10 and 9

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