2019 NFL power rankings, Week 17: Bengals are No. 32 but pick No. 1
44. . 6-9. Previous: . Atlanta Falcons. 18. team
Recap: The unpredictable Falcons, winners of four of their last six games after that dreadful 1-7 start (including victories over the playoff-bound Saints and 49ers), hosted the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Quarterback Matt Ryan connected on 32 of his 45 throws for 384 yards but connected for only one score and threw two more interceptions. Julio Jones totaled 10 receptions for 166 yards but it was running back Devonta Freeman that came up with 127 yards from scrimmage and scored once on the ground and once through the air. Atlanta’s defense limited the Jaguars to 288 total yards in a game that should have been more lopsided than the score indicated.
Next Week: The Falcons head to Tampa as they face the Buccaneers for the second time in six weeks. Back in Week 12 at Atlanta, Quinn’s club was rolled by Jameis Winston and company, 35-22, and in the process saw their five-game winning streak in this series come to an end. The Falcons haven’t been swept by the Bucs since 2015.
Draft Talk: The Falcons are hoping their young additions on the offensive line this past year are better in 2020. And that means general manager Tom Telesco could focus on defense in April. Some of those issues could also be in regards to the constant changes at who is calling the signals. And will Quinn be back with the franchise next year?
Previous: . Dallas Cowboys. 17. team. 123. . 7-8
Recap: The Cowboys made their way to the City of Brotherly Love in position to capture the NFC East. And if the club managed to clinch a second straight division title, it will mark the first time since the 2006 and ‘07 seasons that the franchise will have reached the playoffs in back-to-back playoff seasons. But Jason Garrett’s offense and running game apparently didn’t make the trip to Philadelphia as Dallas settled for three field goals and Ezekiel Elliott and company were limited to 54 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, that disappointing Cowboys’ defense gave up 431 total yards to Carson Wentz and company and Rod Marinelli’s unit managed just a single sack.
Next Week: Garrett’s club is back home and looks to continue its recent stretch of success against the rival Redskins. Back in Week 2 at FedExField, the Cowboys spotted Washington a 7-0 lead and came all the way back for 31-21 triumph. Dallas has won six of the last seven meetings between these clubs dating back to 2016.
Playoff Hopes: HELP! The Cowboys need somebody and not just anybody but the New York Giants in particular to knock off the Eagles next Sunday afternoon. Of course, Garrett’s club also needs to hold up its end of the bargain by defeating the Redskins. It’s still hard to believe this team is just 4-8 in its last 12 games after that 3-0 start.
Next: Nos. 16 and 15