2019 NFL power rankings, Week 16: Cowboys won, 49ers stunned
3-11. Previous: . Miami Dolphins. 30. team. 59.
Recap: Brian Flores’ team made their way back to the MetLife Stadium for the second straight week and hoped to fare better against the Giants than they did in a one-point loss to the Jets. The Dolphins settled for seven field goals in last Sunday’s setback but in this contest owned a 10-7 lead at halftime. In fact, Miami came up with a total of four interceptions by game’s end – three at the expense of Eli Manning. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 279 yards and two scores to DeVante Parker but was sacked three times and lost a fumble. But when the Dolphins weren’t forcing turnovers, they were busy allowing their share of big plays as the Giants’ offense rolled up 412 total yards.
Next Week: The Dolphins host the Cincinnati Bengals for the first time since 2013 as these clubs clash for the third time in four seasons. Including a postseason win back in 1973, Miami owns an impressive 16-7 lead in the lifetime standings. But the ‘Fins have dropped the last two meetings, the latest a 27-17 loss last year (Week 5) at Cincinnati.
Draft Talk: As has been well-documented, the Dolphins have a slew of picks at their disposal come April. That includes three in the first round – thanks to trades with the Texans and Steelers – as well as an extra pick in round two via a deal with the Saints. The culture has begun to change in South Florida and 2020 should be fascinating.
New York Giants. 29. team. 31. . 3-11. Previous:
Recap: On Monday night at Philadelphia, the Giants squandered a 14-point halftime lead on the way to a 23-17 overtime loss and tied a dubious franchise record by losing their ninth consecutive game. Now the club was back home and took on the Miami Dolphins and after 30 minutes of play, New York had dug themselves a mini 10-7 hole. But Pat Shurmur’s much-maligned squad outscored the visitors, 29-10, after intermission, rolling up 412 total yards by game’s end. Saquon Barkley ran for 112 yards and two scores. Eli Manning threw for 283 yards and two touchdowns but was picked off three times. It was the team’s first win since beating the Redskins in Week 4.
Next Week: Big Blue makes their way to Landover, Maryland in position to sweep the rival Redskins for the first time since 2014. Back in Week 4 at MetLife Stadium, Shurmur’s squad came away with a 24-3 victory. Last season, the teams split their two-game set for the fourth consecutive year, with both road teams coming out on top.
Draft Talk: The 2020 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25 in Las Vegas. But what are the odds that Shurmur and general manager Dave Gettleman will still be with the franchise after another disappointing season? There’s been rumblings regarding both men’s job security, fair or unfair. It’s been a dreadful stretch for this storied franchise.
Next: Nos. 28 and 27