NFL power rankings, Week 16: Colts roll, Cardinals and Bucs flop

It was a reunion of sorts for the Panthers as they clashed with one-time defensive coordinator Sean McDermott and the Bills. Quarterback Cam Newton also knew what he was dealing with in Buffalo’s defense and he had his issues. He ran for 71 yards and one score.

But he completed only 18 of his 38 throws for 156 yards, was sacked four times and fumbled twice (none lost). He also served up an interception as Matt Rhule’s team was rolled again.

The Lions hosted the Cardinals looking to hand the NFC West leaders their first road loss of 2021. Dan Campbell’s club came up with its best performance of the season and made it look easy.

Quarterback Jared Goff’s familiarity with the Arizona defense was certainly a factor. He finished the afternoon throwing for 216 yards and three scores. Craig Reynolds ran 26 times for 112 yards while the Detroit defense frustrated Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray.

Originally scheduled for Saturday afternoon, the Silver and Black’s encounter with the Browns at Cleveland was postponed until Monday afternoon. The Raiders were hoping to get back on track after dropping their last two games.

All told, Las Vegas owned a 1-5 mark in their last six outings after opening the season with five wins in their first seven outings. And once again, a shaky Raiders’ defense is in the midst of another fade late in the season.

Bears’ head coach Matt Nagy has had his share of success against the rival Vikings. The team owns a 5-1 mark vs. Minnesota dating back to his hiring in 2018. Unfortunately for the team’s current sideline leader, he is in the midst of his first losing campaign with the franchise.

The Bears have really yet to play a complete game this season, rookie quarterback Justin Fields has suffered through growing pains and the Chicago defense has disappointed.