2019 NFL power rankings, Week 15: 49ers impress, Patriots depressed
Previous: . Cleveland Browns. 16. team. 53. . 6-7
Recap: Mathematically eliminated from winning the AFC North, the mistake-prone Browns returned to Cleveland and took on the rival Cincinnati Bengals. It was a big day for the Browns’ running game as Nick Chubb ran for 106 off the team’s 146 yards on the ground. And that proved to be huge as second-year quarterback Baker Mayfield connected on less than 50 percent of his passes (11-of-24), threw for only 192 yards and was picked off twice without throwing for a score. Cleveland’s defense wound up surrendering a disappointing 451 yards by game’s end. But Steve Wilks’ unit buckled down when it had to and allowed only one touchdown in the eight-point win.
Next Week: The Browns head to the desert for the first time since 2011 as these once-frequent foes meet for only the sixth time in 20 years. Cleveland has dropped three straight to the Arizona Cardinals, including a 34-20 decision at home four years ago in the clubs’ last meeting. The Browns are a disappointing 0-3 vs. the NFC West this season.
Playoff Hopes: Kitchens’ squad won for the fourth time in their last five games but there were still some anxious moments for a team that continues to be sloppy at times. The Browns are going to need a lot of things to go right if they are to end the league’s longest active playoff drought. But the team at least has a pulse with three weeks left.
Previous: . Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 15. team. 48. . 6-7
Recap: The suddenly-rejuvenated Buccaneers, winners of two straight games, returned home after a short trip to Jacksonville and hosted the always-formidable Indianapolis Colts. It was quite the first half for quarterback Jameis Winston has he threw for 277 yards and two scores but was also picked off twice by Colts’ linebacker Darius Leonard, the second returned for a touchdown. But he would also shake off a hand injury and wound up totaling 456 yards through the air and four TD passes to go along with a rushing touchdown. He would also be picked off a third time and the Bucs needed every point as it was another rough afternoon for Todd Bowles’ defensive unit.
Next Week: The Buccaneers head north to the Motor City for the first time since 2014 these one-time divisional rivals collide for the second time in three years. In 2017, Detroit came away with a 24-21 victory at Tampa in the last meeting between the franchises. The Bucs’ last appearance at Ford Field resulted in a 34-17 loss five years ago.
Draft Talk: Despite a third straight win, Arians’ club was mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. It’s a franchise that has not reached the postseason since winning the NFC South in 2007. But what about the future, in particular whether Winston will be back with the club? So is drafting a quarterback in the team’s 2020 plans?
Next: Nos. 14 and 13