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2019 NFL power rankings, Week 16: Cowboys won, 49ers stunned

By Russell S. Baxter

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 15: New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore runs during the third quarter. The New England Patriots play the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 15: New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore runs during the third quarter. The New England Patriots play the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 15: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) rolls out looking for a receiver during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Rams on December 15, 2019 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 15: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) rolls out looking for a receiver during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Rams on December 15, 2019 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

team. 123. . 7-7. Previous: . Dallas Cowboys. 14

Recap: The struggling Cowboys, losers of three straight and seven of their last 10 contests after a 3-0 start, were back at home and had a little extra time to prepare for the resurgent Los Angeles Rams. Dallas’ defense has been on the ropes lately but there would be no such worries on Sunday as this win belonged to coordinator Kellen Moore and the offense. Running backs Tony Pollard (131) and Ezekiel Elliott (117) combined for 36 carries, 248 yards and three scores. Dak Prescott connected on 15-of-23 throws for 212 yards and scoring strikes to tight end Jason Witten and Tavon Austin. Garrett’s club limited the Rams’ ground attack to just 22 yards on 14 attempts.

Next Week: On a Sunday night at AT&T Stadium (Week 7), the Cowboys rolled the Eagles, 37-10, and extend their recent winning streak in this NFC East rivalry to four straight games. Now the teams meet in the City of Brotherly Love and Dallas has won two straight and six of their last seven games at Philadelphia dating back to 2012.

Playoff Hopes: The Cowboys put an end to their latest three-game skid with one of their most complete efforts of the year. And despite a mediocre 7-7 record, Dallas can win the NFC East next week with a victory at Philadelphia. It’s worth noting that the last time this franchise reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons was in 2006 and ’07.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 13. team. 48. . 7-7. Previous:

Recap: Eliminated from playoff contention, Bruce Arians’ club still had its eye on a winning season as they took a three-game winning streak into their tilt with the Lions at Detroit. In his first 13 outings this season, quarterback Jameis Winston had thrown for 26 scores and also turned over the ball an astonishing 28 times. With 8:13 to play before halftime, the fifth-year signal-caller had hit on 15-of-19 throws for 291 yards and three scores with one interceptions as the Bucs owned a 21-0 lead. While the Lions would make it interesting in the second half, Winston would finish with 458 yards and four TDs as well as that aforementioned pick. The Bucs rolled up 495 total yards.

Next Week: The Buccaneers welcome the Houston Texans to Tampa as these franchises battle for only the fifth time. Four years ago at Houston, Tampa Bay was on the short end of a 19-9 setback. In fact, the Bucs have dropped the last three games in a series that began with the team claiming a 16-3 home victory back in 2003.

Draft Talk: It’s obviously too little too late for Arians’ team but it’s there are some encouraging signs for a franchise that hasn’t been to the postseason since 2010. The Buccaneers have a big decision to make regarding Winston’s future in Tampa. More importantly, the team needs more talent and needs to shore up a disappointing defense.

Next: Nos. 12 and 11

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