NFL power rankings, Week 14: Lions win (not a typo)
5-7. Previous: . Atlanta Falcons. 24. team. 44.
Back in Week 2 at Tampa, Arthur Smith’s club was pushed around by the reigning Super Bowl champions by a 48-25 count. Now the Falcons hosted the Buccaneers hoping to avoid being swept for the second consecutive year. Atlanta’s defense allowed 425 total yards.
And despite an interception return for a score by defensive lineman Marlon Davidson, the Falcons allowed Tom Brady to throw for 368 yards and four TDs while failing to sack him.
23. team. 60. . 5-7. Previous: . Minnesota Vikings
It wasn’t long ago that the Vikings came up with a last-second win over the NFC North-leading Packers. But Mike Zimmer’s team has failed to build on that victory and Minnesota’s defense has really struggled as of late.
The club was down 20-6 at halftime but would rally to take a four-point lead with 1:50 to play. But the Purple Gang couldn’t close the deal and allowed the Lions to march down the field and score a touchdown on the final play of the game.
. 4-8. Previous: . Seattle Seahawks. 22. team. 36
With a loss to the visiting 49ers, the Seahawks would be ensured of a losing season for the first time since 2011. It would be a wild first half between the clubs as Pete Carroll’s squad trailed at intermission, 23-21.
But the much-maligned Seattle defense pitched a shutout in the second half. Russell Wilson overcame four sacks and threw for 231 yards and two scores (1 interception). And Carroll’s club stopped a long Niners’ drive to preserve the victory.