2019 NFL power rankings, Week 17: Bengals are No. 32 but pick No. 1

Peter Carroll’s Seahawks were caught sleepwalking in Seattle. How did that loss affect the latest the NFL Power Rankings?

Recap: The Bengals made their way to South Florida knowing that another defeat would tie the franchise record for most losses in a single season (14 in 2002). The Dolphins were the opposition in a battle between rookie head coach Zac Taylor and Brian Flores. And it didn’t take long for the team to dig itself a 14-0 hole and eventually fall behind by 23 points with less than a quarter to play. But the club came storming back as Andy Dalton finished the game with 396 yards through the air and four scores, plus threw for one two-point conversion and ran for another. But it simply wasn’t meant to be as Cincinnati’s defense surrendered 502 total yards and succumbed in overtime.

Next Week: The Bengals look to avoid a 0-6 finish in the AFC North and also snap a three-game losing streak to the Cleveland Browns as Taylor’s club host this bitter rivalry. Back in Week 14, Cincinnati fell on the road, 27-19, their second straight loss at Cleveland. The Bengals had won the previous seven contests in this divisional setting.

Draft Talk: The last time the Bengals owned the first overall pick in the NFL Draft was 2003. And the team’s latest loss ensured that the franchise will own the rights to the number-one pick when the three-day session convenes in late April. The organization could go in any number of directions but defense is certainly the most pressing need.

Recap: In the midst of a seven-game losing streak, the Lions made their way to the Mile High City to take on the unpredictable Broncos. Running back Kerryon Johnson was back after missing more than two months but he was limited to 42 yards on 10 carries as Detroit’s running attack managed only 96 yards by afternoon’s end. In fact, the Lions were limited to a total of 191 yards (97 in the first half, 94 in the second half) and had the football for only 23:52. Looking at the final numbers, it’s hard to believe that Matt Patricia’s team owned a 10-0 lead in the second quarter. All told, quarterback David Blough threw for only 117 yards and one score and was sacked four times.

Next Week: The Lions look to avoid going winless vs. their divisional rivals as they renew acquaintances with the Packers at Ford Field. Back on a Monday night at Lambeau Field (Week 6), Detroit owned a 10-0 lead but waned in the second half on the way to a 23-22 setback. But the Lions have won two straight home games in this series.

Draft Talk: The organization announced early last week that Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn would be back in 2020. That may have been a surprise to some considering this team has lost at least 10 games in each of the former’s first two seasons. And it’s hard to make progress when you fail to win a game (0-5) within the division.

Next: Nos. 30 and 29