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

Recap: Off a frustrating Monday night loss at Seattle, the Vikings returned home and looked to continue their recent winning ways vs. the rival Lions. Back in Week 7 at Ford Field, Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota offense rolled up 504 total yards in a 42-30 victory. On Sunday vs. Detroit, the points didn’t come easy despite the fact that Mike Zimmer’s team did amass a respectable 354 total yards. Running back Dalvin Cook had just over half (62) of the team’s 120 yards on the ground and also ran for a touchdown. Cousins threw for 242 yards and one score and the Vikings played turnover-free ball. The defense sacked David Blough five times – three of those by Danielle Hunter.

Next Week: The Purple Gang heads west to battle the Chargers as the teams meet for the first time since 2015. That season, the Vikings came up with a 31-14 home win. Hence, it’s all even in the standings between these clubs (6-6) dating back to 1971. The Vikings’ last road game in this series resulted in a 24-17 loss at San Diego in 2011.

Playoff Hopes: Zimmer’s team bounced back after a tough Monday night loss at Seattle and evened their divisional record (2-2) by completing a sweep of the Lions. The Vikings remain one game behind Packers in the NFC North and have now won more games than they last year. The club is closing in on a playoff berth but aren’t there yet.

Recap: The Seahawks headed to Los Angeles for a rematch with the division-rival Rams and were not only in position to sweep the series for the first time since 2013, Pete Carroll’s club could secure a playoff berth.  A victory on Sunday night would put the club in the playoffs for the seventh time in eight years. But Russell Wilson and company had their issues on offense as the team’s lone touchdown on the evening came via an interception return by safety Quandre Diggs. Meanwhile, Carroll’s squad was pushed around to the tune of 455 total yards and Seattle’s defense surrendered 162 yards rushing. Wilson threw for 245 yards and was picked off late in the game.

Next Week: Carroll’s team head east to Charlotte for the second straight year as his team renews acquaintances with the Panthers for the ninth time in eight seasons. Of course, that includes a pair of playoff meetings in 2014 and ’15. As for the clubs’ last clash, the Seahawks rallied for a 30-27 win a year ago (Week 12) at Carolina.

Playoff Hopes: So much for clinching another postseason appearance as the Seattle offense was stifled in prime time. Of course, Carroll’s team is still in excellent position to wrap up a playoff spot sooner than later. Seattle’s defensive issues caught up with them in a big way in this prime time loss to their division rivals from Los Angeles.

Next: Nos. 4 and 3