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

Recap: The Bills could get to 10 wins for the first time (when they finished 11-5 in 1999) if they could cool off the hottest team in the league as the Baltimore Ravens invaded Orchard Park. But Sean McDermott’s squad was limited to only 209 total yards as quarterback Josh Allen connected on only 17 of this 39 throws for 146 yards and one score. The second-year signal-caller was also sacked six times and fumbled twice, losing one of those miscues, and the Bills were limited to one touchdown and three field goals. Buffalo’s defense limited the Ravens’ running attack to a season-low 118 yards. But Allen and the offense struggled to sustain any kind of steady drives.

Next Week: In a game that was flexed to Sunday evening, the intriguing Bills make their first appearance at Heinz Field since 2013 looking to snap a six-game losing streak to the Steelers that dates back to 2001. The clubs last met three years ago at Orchard Park and Pittsburgh came away with a hard-earned 27-20 victory in blizzard conditions.

Playoff Hopes: McDermott’s team is still very much in control of its postseason fortunes, even with Sunday’s loss. And the next two weeks should tell us a lot as they face an 8-5 Steelers’ team that is one game behind them in the win-loss column. More importantly, the Bills are only one game behind the first-place Patriots in the AFC East.

Recap: The Packers took on a second straight NFC East foes when they hosted the Washington Redskins on Sunday. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers wasn’t particularly sharp, throwing for only 195 yards and one score but was sacked four times and lost a fumble. But teammate Aaron Jones more than made up for the lack of big plays by the passing game as the talented running back totaled 16 carries for 134 yards and one touchdown. But safety Adrian Amos had a huge game, totaling seven tackles, one sack and an interception while knocking down two passes. Mike Pettine’s defensive unit came up with four sacks of Dwayne Haskins and limited the ‘Skins to 262 total yards.

Next Week: Thanks to a 10-3 Thursday night win at Soldier Field in the NFL’s season opener, the Packers are in position to sweep the Bears for the sixth time in nine seasons dating back to 2011. Dating back to 2009 and including a win in the 2010 NFC title game at Chicago, Green Bay owns an 18-4 edge in the clubs’ last 22 meetings.

Playoff Hopes: LaFleur’s club closes the season with three straight games vs their divisional rivals. And suddenly the NFC North has three teams with winning records and the Packers have upcoming clashes with the 7-6 Bears at home and the 9-4 Vikings on a Monday night at Minnesota. Green Bay will need to play better down the stretch.

Next: Nos. 6 and 5