2019 NFL Power Rankings: Dolphins stun Patriots
13. . 5-11. Previous: . Los Angeles Chargers. 28. team
Recap: Talk about two teams headed in opposite directions? The Chargers were 0-5 vs. their AFC West rivals and headed to Kansas City to take on a Chiefs’ team that was a perfect 5-0 vs. their divisional rivals. Quarterback Philip Rivers has had a rough year and while he threw for 281 yards and two more scores, the 16-year signal-caller was also picked off two more times. The Los Angeles’ defense had very few answers for Kansas City’s running attack and the Chargers failed to sack Patrick Mahomes all afternoon. Keenan Allen caught nine passes for 82 yards and one of Rivers’ TD passes. Lynn’s team finished with 11 losses, equaling their total from the previous two years.
Draft Talk: Last April, general manager Tom Telesco stood pat with what he had and made seven selections in the draft without making a trade. The team could use some help at tackle and may be in the market for some wide receiver help. And could the Chargers actually use a first-round selection on the eventual successor to Rivers?
Offseason Priorities: The list of potential unrestricted free agents for this club is noteworthy, led by Rivers, Gordon (a holdout for the first 3 games of the season) and oft-injured tight end Hunter Henry. Lynn has led the club to a 26-21 record and one playoff appearance in three seasons with the team. But could there be changes to his staff?
4-12. Previous: . New York Giants. 27. team. 31.
Recap: In Week 14 on a Monday night at Philadelphia, the Giants owned a 17-3 halftime lead on the way to a 23-17 overtime loss. Now Pat Shurmur’s club was looking to spoil the Eagles’ season late in the third quarter, a 68-yard touchdown run by Saquon Barkley and the subsequent PAT had the longtime rivals tied at 17 points apiece. But it was Philly in the fourth quarter as some critical mistakes by rookie quarterback Daniel Jones proved to be extremely costly. He finished with 301 yards through the air and one score as well. Barkley finished with 92 yards rushing on 17 carries. And now make it seven consecutive losses to their rivals from the City of Brotherly Love.
Draft Talk: For the third consecutive year, the Giants would have “earned” a Top 10 pick. In 2018, it was Barkley (2nd overall) and a year ago it was Jones (6th overall). That’s one standout performer and another with plenty of promise. But there’s a slew of issues elsewhere and the club would be wise to keep addressing that defense.
Offseason Priorities: The futures of both Shurmur and Gettleman have very much been a topic of discussion. The Giants’ defense has made little or no progress under James Bettcher so he could be on the hot seat as well. The team can build around Barkley and Jones but there are some gaping holes when it comes to much of the roster.
Next: Nos. 26 and 25