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

Recap: The Panthers looked to end their current six-game losing streak with the help of 2019 third-round pick Will Grier – the team’s third different starting quarterback this season. The rookie signal-caller would throw for 224 yards but was picked off three times. Christian McCaffrey ran for only 54 yards but caught 15 passes for 119 yards, breaking his own NFL record for receptions by a running back (109 and counting) in a season. But Perry Fewell’s club would be limited to a pair of field goals and only 286 total yards. The league’s 30th-ranked run defense gave up 218 yards to Marlon Mack and company and Carolina was burned twice for touchdowns on punt returns.

Next Week: The Panthers wrap up what has proven to be a second consecutive disappointing season against the NFC South champion Saints. Back in Week 12 at the Superdome, Carolina was on the short end of a heartbreaking 34-31 setback. The Panthers have dropped two straight home games in this always-interesting divisional rivalry.

Draft Talk: The franchise has now finished with a losing record in three of the past four seasons. Of course, the franchise is in the market for a head coach and there’s a decision to be made regarding quarterback Cam Newton. Carolina’s defense has disappointed for the second straight year and that unit’s line could use some help inside.

Recap: The Redskins dropped to 0-4 vs. their NFC East rivals last week with a tough home loss to the Eagles. Now they took on the New York Giants in the team’s home finale for 2019. Washington’s defense was a no-show all afternoon and wound up surrendering a whopping 552 total yards in four-plus quarters. Dwayne Haskins and veteran Case Keenum combined for 291 yards through the air and three scores without an interception. But the Redskins’ pass rush managed only one sack of Giants’ quarterback Daniel Jones, who finished the day with 352 yards through the air and five scores. The loss meant Washington fell to 0-5 vs. their divisional rivals this season.

Next Week: The ‘Skins head south to Arlington hoping to make amends from their latest loss to the rival Cowboys. In Week 2 at FedExField, the home team led early but would come up short, 31-21. All told, Washington owns a disappointing 3-10 record in this storied series dating back to 2013 – this after sweeping the Cowboys in ‘12.

Draft Talk: The Redskins are one of the harder organizations to figure because of their instability. Will team president Bruce Allen be back next year? Who will the franchise target in terms of a head coach? Or will the club give Callahan a shot? As for the draft, some help on the offensive line and receiver would be highly recommended.

Next: Nos. 28 and 27