NFL power rankings, Week 18: How far did Chiefs, Cowboys fall after stunning losses?
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 19: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field on December 19, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
NFL Power Rankings: Week 18
It wasn’t long ago that Ron Rivera’s team owned a 6-6 record and faced five divisional opponents to close out the season. But the Football Team failed to take advantage of the opportunity and with Sunday’s home setback to the Eagles, the club was officially eliminated from the postseason.
Ron Rivera’s club owned a 16-7 lead at halftime but never scored another point. Taylor Heinicke was picked off in the end zone with 24 seconds to play to seal the loss.
7-9. Previous: . Atlanta Falcons. 23. team. 44.
Arthur Smith’s club headed north to Orchard Park looking to even its win-loss record for the season. The Falcons got on the scoreboard first via a safety. And Atlanta owned a 15-14 lead at intermission.
But Smith’s team was blanked in the second half and finished the game with just 265 yards of total offense. Quarterback Matt Ryan was sacked five times and threw for only 197 yards. Dean Pees’ defensive unit surrendered 233 yards on the ground.
60. . 7-9. Previous: . Minnesota Vikings. 22. team
With quarterback Kirk Cousins on the COVID-19 list (see ESPN’s Courtney Cronin), Sean Mannion got the start at Lambeau Field on Sunday night. And the Vikings were actually in position to sweep the Packers for the first time since 2017.
But Mike Zimmer’s club was limited to 70 yards of total offense in the first half and trailed 20-3. The Minnesota defense allowed 481 total yards and did not sack Aaron Rodgers, who threw for 288 yards and two TDs.