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

Recap: It’s been a rough few weeks for a club that not too long ago owned a 6-4 record and was very much in the mix of the AFC South title chase. But consecutive losses to the Texans, Titans and Buccaneers have Frank Reich’s club under the .500 mark and with one more regular-season loss than the team suffered a year ago. Not having running back Marlon Mack and wide receiver T.Y. Hilton at times has certainly hampered quarterback Jacoby Brissett. All told, the Colts have allowed a combined 89 points during this current three-game skid. And it’s been a forgettable season for legendary kicker Adam Vinatieri, who’s finishing his 24th NFL season on injured reserve.

Next Week: Off their Monday night appearance in the Big Easy, the Colts return home and battle a third straight NFC South foe in the Carolina Panthers. The clubs last met four years ago at Charlotte and Indianapolis fell in overtime, 29-26. Worth noting that the Colts are 0-3 at home in an interconference series that dates back to 1995.

Playoff Hopes: A loss on Monday night at the Superdome would eliminate Reich’s club from the playoffs. It’s been an up and down year for a club that at times looked as if it was capable of some big things this season. But injuries have certainly played a factor the second half of the season and the defense has proven to be a bit inconsistent.

Recap: The Browns won’t be winning the AFC North but still had an outside shot at reaching the playoffs as they took on the struggling Arizona Cardinals in the desert. Cleveland’s defense wound up being a no-show as Steve Wilks’ unit was gouged for 226 yards on the ground and 445 total yards after 60 minutes. The Browns’ pass rush did not come up with a sack as well. Second-year running back Nick Chubb continued his excellent season, totaling 127 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries. Quarterback Baker Mayfield overcame an early interception, threw for 247 yards and found former Cardinals’ tight end Ricky Seal-Jones for a pair of scores in the 14-point setback.

Next Week: Kitchens’ club is back at home and is in position to sweep the sizzling-hot Baltimore Ravens for the first time since 2007. In Week 4 at Baltimore, the Browns rolled up 530 total yards in a convincing 40-25 triumph. A year ago, Cleveland came away with a 12-9 overtime home win (Week 5) when last they hosted the Ravens.

Playoff Hopes: There are still a playoff hopes for Freddie Kitchens’ club after the Steelers lost at home on Sunday night. But the Browns had better get some things fixed on defense if they are to win their final two games. It won’t be easy next week as they take on the AFC North champion Ravens. But they were the last team to defeat them.

Next: Nos. 18 and 17