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

Recap: It’s been an erratic year for a team that was in the Super Bowl a year ago. But thanks to convincing victories over the Cardinals and Seahawks the past two weeks, Sean McVay’s Rams were still in contention to repeat as division champions as they made their way to Arlington to battle the Cowboys. However, a third consecutive NFC West title went by the wayside on Sunday as the Los Angeles’ offense was a no-show for most of the afternoon at Arlington. Jared Goff would wind up throwing for 284 yards and two scores but was sacked twice and picked off once. Todd Gurley ran for one of the team’s three touchdowns but was limited to a mere 20 yards on the ground.

Next Week: It’s a Saturday prime time affair at San Francisco as the Rams collide with the 49ers for second time this season. In Week 6 at Los Angeles, the Niners’ defense dominated the defending NFC champions all afternoon as McVay’s club fell, 20-7. Despite the loss, McVay’s team is 3-2 in the last five meetings in this longtime rivalry.

Playoff Hopes: The Rams are still mathematically alive for a wild card berth but it would take a lot of help and a miracle or two. McVay’s disappointing club has already lost twice as many games as a season ago and at times has looked completely overmatched. And Los Angeles’ offensive magic has disappeared far too many times this season.

Recap: Winners of three consecutive games, the resurgent Bears made their way to Lambeau Field looking to avenge an early-season loss to the Green Bay Packers. By the end of the third quarter, Matt Nagy’s club found itself in a 21-3 hole. Chicago’s offense totaled 83 plays and 429 total yards but still managed only 13 points as quarterback Mitch Trubisky threw for 348 yards and one score but was also picked off twice. The Bears finished just 9-of-20 on third-down conversion attempts and were 0-for-3 on fourth-down tries. A little razzle dazzle on the final play of the game was nearly pulled off by Nagy’s team. But too many mistakes ultimately cost Chicago.

Next Week: It’s a battle of familiarity at Soldier Field as Nagy faces former boss Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs in prime time. The Bears own a two-game advantage (7-5) in this interconference series that originated in 1973 and came away with an 18-17 win four years ago at Arrowhead Stadium in the franchises’ last encounter.

Draft Talk: The Bears were eliminated from the playoffs late Sunday afternoon when the Vikings defeated the Los Angeles Chargers. It was a familiar story for the Bears as their offense struggled early before playing better. As for next April’s draft, Chicago doesn’t have a first- or third-round pick but have a pair of second-round selections.

Next: Nos. 14 and 13