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

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 17: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers dives into the end zone for a touchdown to win the game 30-27 during overtime against the Los Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

It was a scrappy effort by this club as they allowed the Packers to score touchdowns on each of their first three possessions and then stifled Aaron Rodgers and company for the vast majority of the second half – allowing just a field goal. The team has struggled to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks but wound up with five sacks. But Carolina’s defense was also burned for 195 yards on the ground – most of that by Green Bay’s Aaron Jones (145).

The reigning NFC champions outgained their hosts as the Niners rolled up 458 total yards to the Cowboys’ 291. But while Dallas played turnover-free football, Kyle Shanahan’s club gave up the rock four times – three of those miscues by starting quarterback Nick Mullens. And those mistakes proved costly as San Francisco fell behind, 14-0, in the first quarter and was never able to take the lead. The 49ers have committed 29 turnovers in 14 games in ’20.

For the first time all season, the Bolts have won two consecutive games as the club ended a nine-game losing streak vs. their divisional rivals. Rookie quarterback Justin Herbert hit on 22-of-32 throws for 314 yards and two scores but his biggest play came in overtime as he and the team erased a three-point deficit via his one-yard TD run. Los Angeles’ defense gave up 449 total yards and prevailed despite giving up 173 yards on the ground.