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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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MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 01: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 01: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Previous: . Philadelphia Eagles. 22. team. 54. . 5-7

Recap: The Eagles took a three-game losing streak into their Monday night showdown with the Giants and were coming off a stinging loss at Miami in which the team squandered a 28-14 third-quarter advantage. Philadelphia’s defense has been a huge disappointment this season in terms of consistency as the Birds have allowed 87 points in five wins and a whopping 197 points in their seven setbacks. Quarterback Carson Wentz has been erratic as well as his 20 touchdown passes have been offset by seven interceptions and five lost fumbles. Still, thanks to the recent struggles of the Dallas Cowboys, Doug Pederson’s squad remains very much in the thick of the NFC East title race.

Next Week: The erratic Eagles head to FedExField looking to complete a third consecutive season sweep of the rival Redskins. Back on the opening Sunday of 2019 (Week 1), Philadelphia trailed 17-0 in the second quarter and 20-7 at intermission before rallying for a 32-27 triumph. Make it five straight wins for the Birds in this series.

Playoff Hopes: Monday’s clash with the Giants marks the first of four straight divisional games that Pederson’s team closes with. That includes a pair with New York, a trip to Washington (Week 15) and a rematch with the reeling Cowboys in Week 16 at Philadelphia. The Eagles’ divisional record stands at 1-1 entering Monday night.

5-8. Previous: . Los Angeles Chargers. 21. team. 13.

Recap: Anthony Lynn’s struggling squad made their way east to Jacksonville for the second time in three years as the Chargers hoped to put an end to a three-game long streak. And the Bolts did it in resounding fashion against a team that was struggling more than they were as of late. Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers had quite the 38th birthday as he connected on 16-of-22 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Austin Ekeler ran for 101 yards on only eight carries and also hauled in four passes for 112 yards – 84 of that on a touchdown toss from Rivers. Lynn’s team more than doubled the Jaguars in total yards (525-252) by day’s end.

Next Week: The Bolts host the Minnesota Vikings for the first time since 2011, when the franchise was still based in San Diego. That day, the home team came away with a 24-17 victory. As for the teams’ last clash, the Chargers fell at Minnesota, 31-14, two years ago. These interconference foes have split their 12 previous meetings.

Draft Talk: Despite the resounding road victory and the end to a three-game losing streak, the Chargers were knocked out of the playoffs when the Steelers won at Arizona on Sunday. So what does the future hold for Rivers and the franchise? Could general manager Tom Telesco be looking for a quarterback early in the 2020 NFL Draft?

Next: Nos. 20 and 19

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