2020 NFL power rankings, Week 16: Jets win, Patriots out

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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 20: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions is pressured by the defense of the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter of the game at Nissan Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

The 2020 playoff field continues to grow as Christmas approaches.

There was a major surprise in the City of Angels, the end of the longest string of playoff appearances in NFL history, a team winning a division title for the first time since 1995 and a major comeback in Atlanta. And the 14-team playoff field now stands at six clubs with eight invitations still out there.

. 1-13. Previous: . Jacksonville Jaguars. 32. team. 52

Gardner Minshew was back in the starting lineup at Baltimore but it didn’t make much of a difference as Doug Marrone’s defense was once again a no-show. As for the Jaguars’ quarterback, he threw for 226 yards and a pair of touchdowns but was sacked five times and lost a fumble. Jacksonville defenders surrendered 409 total yards, including 159 on the ground. The Jaguars have now allowed a whopping 423 points in 14 outings – 30.2 per game.

team. 30. . 1-13. Previous: . New York Jets. 31

The Green and White headed west to Los Angeles to take on the league’s top-ranked defensive unit. In three previous games vs. the NFC West this season, the Jets were outscored a combined 106-20 in those losses. But New York owned a stunning 20-3 third-quarter advantage thanks to a balanced attack of 31 running plays and 33 passing plays. Ageless Frank Gore ran 23 times for 59 yards and one score and New York held on for the victory.

team. 56. . 2-10-1. Previous: . Cincinnati Bengals. 30

The team will use its third different starting quarterback in Monday night’s clash with the rival Steelers (via Michael Baca of NFL.com). A year ago, Ryan Finley opened three games for Zac Taylor’s club. This year, he’s made an appearance in four games. Including playoffs, the Bengals have dropped 11 straight contests to the Black and Gold – seven consecutive home games dating back to 2014 – the latest a 36-10 road setback in Week 10.

Detroit Lions. 28. team. 50. . 5-9. Previous:

The club had allowed at least 30 points in three straight games when they headed to Nashville to take on the explosive Titans. And Detroit’s defense was overwhelmed to the tune of 463 total yards while the Lions had zero answers for either Derrick Henry or Ryan Tannehill. Meanwhile, Darrell Bevell’s club shot itself in the foot with three turnovers. The Lions gave up 423 points a year ago and this season, they’ve allowed 435 in 14 contests.

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