NFL power rankings, Week 16: Colts roll, Cardinals and Bucs flop
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 19: Nick Westbrook-Ikhine #15 of the Tennessee Titans is stopped on fourth down by Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter to end the game at Heinz Field on December 19, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers. 18. team. 55. . 7-6-1. Previous:
Mike Tomlin’s team had a little extra time to prepare for the first-place Titans. But the Steelers trailed 13-3 after two quarters. But Keith Butler’s defensive unit pitched a shutout in the second half while Pittsburgh came up with 16 unanswered points – including a one-yard TD sneak by Ben Roethlisberger.
Tomlin’s offense totaled only 168 total yards. But the Steelers came up with four takeaways and a crucial fourth-down stop in the closing seconds.
Miami Dolphins. 17. team. 59. . 7-7. Previous:
The Dolphins not only had a chance to complete another season sweep of the rival Jets, Brian Flores’ team could make it six wins in a row and reach the .500 mark. Miami was limited at running back but got a huge outing from veteran Duke Johnson.
He carried 22 times for 107 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The ‘Fins overcame a 10-0 first-quarter deficit, as well as three turnovers (including 2 interceptions by Tua Tagovailoa) to even their record in ’21.
7-6. Previous: . Cleveland Browns. 16. team. 53.
The last time the Browns were on the field, they were busy holding on for a two-point victory over the rival Ravens. The victory snapped a six-game losing streak to Baltimore and evened the team’s divisional record at 2-2.
Scoring points has been a problem for Kevin Stefanski’s team as of late and a porous Raiders’ defense could be just what the doctor ordered. Originally slated for Saturday evening, the Browns will host Las Vegas on Monday night.