NFL power rankings, Week 16: Colts roll, Cardinals and Bucs flop
Previous: . Denver Broncos. 21. team. 45. . 7-7
The perplexing Broncos took a 7-6 record into a key clash with the Bengals and a win could have gone a long way towards reaching the playoffs in the congested AFC. But Vic Fangio’s club managed just 10 points and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was knocked out of the game in the second half.
Enter Drew Lock, who would throw a 25-yard TD pass to Tim Patrick in the third quarter to give Denver a brief 10-9 lead. But the Broncos never scored again.
Philadelphia Eagles. 20. team. 54. . 6-7. Previous:
A 2-5 start has morphed into four wins in their last six games. Nick Sirianni’s squad is one game under .500 but the Eagles have scored more points (337) than they have allowed (291). Second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts has been resourceful and rookie wideout Devonta Smith has enjoyed some big moments.
These Birds have laid a few eggs this season but the defense has been a pleasant surprise. And a win over Washington would be a big step forward.
19. team. 15. . 7-7. Previous: . New Orleans Saints
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen would lead the Saints into Tampa on Sunday night as head coach Sean Payton was out (COVID-19). The team owned a 6-0 lead at halftime and had sacked Tom Brady three times before intermission.
New Orleans finished the game with only 212 total yards but they never allowed the NFC South leaders to sniff the end zone. And the Saints are now back at the .500 mark via a pair of consecutive victories.