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2019 NFL Power Rankings: Dolphins stun Patriots

By Russell S. Baxter

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins looks to pass against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins looks to pass against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scrambles with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scrambles with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

48. . 7-9. Previous: . Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 18. team

Recap: Bruce Arians’ team saw its four-game winning streak come to an end last Saturday afternoon at home with a loss to the Texans. Now the Bucs looked to complete their first sweep of the Falcons since 2015 and salvage a .500 campaign. The team had totaled an NFL-high 38 turnovers (33 by quarterback Jameis Winston) entering this contest and would add three more as this contest extended to four-plus quarters. The fifth-year quarterback threw for 201 yards and two scores but also served up two more interceptions. Ronald Jones ran for 106 yards but also lost a fumble. And Winston’s second interception of the day was returned for a touchdown in overtime.

Draft Talk: The team finished with a 7-9 record, which means the Bucs won’t be picking in the Top 10 in the first round in April. Although it played well in spurts, the club still has a lot of defensive needs. Todd Bowles’ unit allowed 30 touchdown passes and can be found near the bottom of the rankings in terms of aerial yards allowed.

Offseason Priorities: As mentioned last week, Winston is expected to return in 2020. But the more important question is whether it’s a one-year or a long-term deal for a player whose rookie contract is about to expire? As far as potential free agents, there’s a pair of veteran defensive linemen in Jason Pierre-Paul and Ndamukong Suh.

8-8. Previous: . Pittsburgh Steelers. 17. team. 55.

Recap: Losers of two straight games, the Steelers would now need help to reach the playoffs. The team’s simplest path was to win at Baltimore on Sunday and hoped that the Titans would lose at Houston. As it turned out, Mike Tomlin’s team would miss out on the postseason even with a victory as Tennessee rolled over the Texans. As for this club, rookie Ray Snell ran for 91 yards and his team’s only touchdown. Even without Lamar Jackson and Mark Ingram, the Baltimore running game exploited Pittsburgh’s defense for 223 yards. The Steelers’ offense was limited to 168 yards, quarterback Devlin Hodges struggled again and the team scored 10 points for the third straight game.

Draft Talk: The Steelers don’t have a first-round pick in April due to the deal that enabled them to obtain safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in September. It was a solid addition for a player headed to the Pro Bowl. The team is also minus a third-round selection after a draft day deal with Denver but could get another via a compensatory pick.

Offseason Priorities: It’s safe to say that veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, still on the mend from elbow surgery, made it very clear that he intends to return in 2020. The team’s issues at quarterback after he was lost inevitably proved to be the club’s downfall. It will be interesting to see what Tomlin’s staff looks like in 2020.

Next: Nos. 16 and 15

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