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

Recap: Last Monday, the Seahawks received the news that wide receiver Josh Gordon had been suspended indefinitely by the league. Pete Carroll’s club was in position to sweep the visiting Arizona Cardinals, who had yet to win a game within the division in 2019. And early on, Russell Wilson and company appeared to be in control. But Seattle’s vulnerable defense again came back to bite them in a big way as the club lost at home for the third time this season. The ‘Hawks surrendered a whopping 253 yards on the ground and 412 total yards by game’s end. All told, Wilson was sacked five times as the team dropped one full game behind San Francisco in the NFC West.

Next Week: Carroll’s club will host the final game of the National Football League’s 100th campaign and it will be for all the marbles in the NFC West as their showdown with the 49ers is slated for Sunday night. And thanks to a 27-24 Monday night overtime win (Week 10), the Seahawks can sweep this series for the fifth time in six years.

Playoff Hopes: While the Seahawks’ latest loss was certainly shocking, the team can still win a division title next Sunday night if they can knock off the Niners for the second time this season. An NFC West crown would ensure the team of a home playoff game, although Seattle hasn’t been as kind to the ‘Hawks this season as in years past.

Recap: Late last week, the Arizona Cardinals released veteran defender Terrell Suggs. Last Monday afternoon, the Chiefs claimed him off waivers. Now Andy Reid’s club was in the Windy City on Sunday night to face his former offensive coordinator’s club. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes orchestrated a balanced offense that rolled up a modest 350 total yards. The third-year signal-caller threw for 251 yards and a pair of scores and also ran 12 yards in the first quarter for a touchdown. The team allowed only three points for the second straight game. Since that 35-32 loss at Tennessee, Kansas City has allowed a total of 48 points in their last five outings – all wins.

Next Week: Reid’s team looks to make it a clean sweep of their AFC West rivals this season as they host the Los Angeles Chargers. In Week 11 on a Monday night at Mexico City, the Chiefs rallied for a 24-17 victory. Kansas City now owns a 10-1 record in this series last 11 meetings and can sweep the Bolts for the fifth time in six years.

Playoff Hopes: The Chiefs still have a shot at capturing the No. 2 seed in the AFC if they defeat the visiting Chargers next Sunday and the New England Patriots stumble at home against the Dolphins. In any case, Reid’s club is playing its best football of the season and that means on both sides of the ball. It’s been quite the defensive turnaround.

Next: Nos. 6 and 5