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

Recap: Pete Carroll’s squad made the long trip east to Charlotte looking to rebound from a humbling Sunday night loss to the Rams at Los Angeles. A victory by the Seahawks would put them closer to a postseason berth. Running back Chris Carson carried 24 times for 133 yards and two touchdowns and Russell Wilson threw for 286 yards and a pair of scores as Carroll’s club played turnover-free football. Seattle’s defense picked off Carolina quarterback Kyle Allen three times and the Seahawks held off a late Panthers’ rally for their 11th victory of the season. And one week after losing to the Rams, a Los Angeles’ loss to Dallas on Sunday put the Seahawks in the playoffs.

Next Week: The ‘Hawks host the division-rival Arizona Cardinals and look to wrap up a sweep of this series for the second straight year. Back in early October in the desert (Week 4), Carroll’s squad came away with a solid 27-10 triumph. Seattle has won three straight and four of the last five meetings between the clubs dating back to 2017.

Playoff Hopes: Both the Seahawks and 49ers own 11-3 records but thanks to an overtime win at San Francisco, Carroll’s club has the edge in the division for now. In any case, Seattle is headed back to the playoffs for the second straight year and seventh time in eight seasons. But can the club win the NFC West for the first time since 2016?

Recap: Mike Zimmer’s club headed back west and took on a Chargers’ team that put 45 points on the board last Sunday at Jacksonville. Running back Dalvin Cook ran for only 27 yards on nine carries before exiting the game. But it wound up not being a factor in the final outcome as the Vikings shook off a 10-9 second-quarter deficit by scoring the final 30 points of the game. Zimmer’s team came up with seven takeaways (3 interceptions and 4 fumble recoveries) and third-year defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo took back one of those fumbles 56 yards for a score. Kirk Cousins was picked off once but also threw for 207 yards and a first-quarter score to Irv Smith Jr.

Next Week: Zimmer’s talented team is back on Monday Night Football for the second time in four games. Only this time, the Vikings are at home and looking to avenge a 21-16 loss in September (Week 2) to the Green Bay Packers. Despite that loss in September, the Purple Gang owns a 5-2-1 in the last eight meetings between these clubs.

Playoff Hopes: They aren’t there yet but the Vikings are closing in on a postseason berth. A week from Monday, there’s the showdown with the playoff-bound Packers. Zimmer’s team can still win the NFC North but would need some help from the Lions the final Sunday of the season. In any case, this is a very dangerous Minnesota team.

Next: Nos. 4 and 3