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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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NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 15: DeAnde Hopkins #10 of the Houston Texans runs the ball in the second half and is chased by Tramaine Brock Sr. #35 of the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Texans defeated the Titans 24-21. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 15: DeAnde Hopkins #10 of the Houston Texans runs the ball in the second half and is chased by Tramaine Brock Sr. #35 of the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Texans defeated the Titans 24-21. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

10. . 9-5. Previous: . Houston Texans. 10. team

Recap: Off a perplexing 38-24 home loss to the Denver Broncos, Bill O’Brien’s club headed to Tennessee to take on the suddenly-hot Titans. Both clubs sported 8-5 records heading into this divisional showdown. Running back Carlos Hyde ran 26 times for 104 yards and one score and quarterback Deshaun Watson overcame a pair of end zone interceptions by throwing for 243 yards and two scores – both to wideout Kenny Stills. But it was veteran DeAndre Hopkins that proved to be the difference late in the game as he totaled receptions of 35, 35 and 25 yards, respectively, in the fourth quarter. Houston’s defense allowed 432 total yards but hung on for a huge victory.

Next Week: The Texans make their first appearance at Raymond James Stadium since 2011 as they take on the Buccaneers on a Saturday afternoon. The clubs clash for the first time since ’15, when Houston came away with a 19-9 home victory. The Texans have won three straight meetings in this infrequent interconference setting.

Playoff Hopes: O’Brien and company shook off a dismal showing from a week ago and raised their record within the division to 4-1 this season. Watson and Hopkins came up big in the fourth quarter. And with a victory next week at Tampa, the Texans can wrap up the AFC South for the sixth time in nine years dating back to 2011.

Kansas City Chiefs. 9. team. 124. . 10-4. Previous:

Recap: A week ago, Andy’s Reid’s team wrapped up the AFC West for the fourth consecutive season. Now the Chiefs hoped to build on a four-game winning streak and stay undefeated within the division as they welcomed the Denver Broncos to Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City owned a 15-3 halftime edge and had outgained their guests, 238-101, after two quarters of play. And the Chiefs would pitch a shutout in the second half as the club made it nine consecutive wins over the Men from Mile High. Patrick Mahomes was picked off once but still threw for 340 yards and two scores – both to wideout Tyreek Hill. And tight end Travis Kelce caught 11 passes for 142 yards.

Next Week: The Chiefs head to the Windy City for the first time since 2011 and battle the Bears for the first time since ’15. That season, Reid’s team dropped a home game to Chicago, 18-17. But eight years ago at Soldier Field, Kansas City came away with a 10-3 win. The Chiefs are 2-4 lifetime on the road in this series dating back to 1977.

Playoff Hopes: Reid’s club could still wind up with one of the top two seeds in the AFC if they win out and the New England Patriots stumble along the way. The AFC West champions have now won five consecutive games and appear to be playing their best defensive football this year. But can they finally carry that into the postseason?

Next: Nos. 8 and 7

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