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

Recap: The Dolphins were looking to continue their recent dominance of the Jets and were in position to sweep the Green and White for the third time in four years. Back in Week 9 at Miami, Brian Flores got his first win as an NFL head coach via a 26-18 victory over the Jets. Kicker Jason Sanders was one of the heroes of last week’s win over the Eagles and on Sunday he provided Miami with all of their points thanks to seven field goals. Flores’ team managed to roll up a respectable 362 total yards but simply could not punch the ball in the end zone. Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 245 yards but also fumbled twice (losing none) and served up another interception.

Next Week: The Dolphins head back to MetLife Stadium for the second consecutive Sunday, this time to face the New York Giants. It’s just the ninth meeting between the franchises dating back to 1972 and Miami not only owns a 2-6 record in this interconference series but has dropped three straight to the Giants dating back to 2007.

Draft Talk: After dropping their first seven games, Flores’ team is x-x in its last six contests. Fitzpatrick has brought a lot of veteran savvy to the club despite some inconsistent play. It will be interesting to see how these Dolphins finish the season. The club is getting the message from the head coach and there is some reason for optimism.

Recap: Dan Quinn’s club would wrap up a five-game stretch against their NFC South rivals with a rematch with the Panthers. Back in Week 11 at Carolina, the Falcons rolled to a 29-3 win. And this rematch would get out of hand eventually as well as veteran Matt Ryan threw for 313 yards and a pair of touchdown, including a 93-yard scoring strike to wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus midway through the third quarter. Atlanta’s defense sacked Kyle Allen five times and the club came up with four takeaways. Running back Devonta Freeman ran for 84 yards and a score as the Falcons came up with 159 yards on the ground. And make it five straight victories over the Panthers.

Next Week: Quinn’s squad heads west to San Francisco for the first time since 2015 as they battle the 49ers for the first time since ’16. That year, Atlanta rolled to a convincing 41-13 home victory while current 49ers’ head coach Kyle Shanahan’s was the Falcons’ offensive coordinator. The teams will meet for the third time in five years.

Draft Talk: Along with the personnel decisions in terms of finding players, the biggest question in Atlanta this offseason will be whether Quinn will be back for a sixth season as the club’s head coach? He’s had both his good and bad moments but this year has proven to be particularly disheartening. Is it time for a change at the top?

Next: Nos. 22 and 21