Fansided

NFL power rankings, Week 18: How far did Chiefs, Cowboys fall after stunning losses?

By Russell S. Baxter

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JANUARY 02: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JANUARY 02: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 02: Sam Darnold #14 of the Carolina Panthers is chased out of bounds by Cameron Jordan #94 of the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter of the game at Caesars Superdome on January 02, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 02: Sam Darnold #14 of the Carolina Panthers is chased out of bounds by Cameron Jordan #94 of the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter of the game at Caesars Superdome on January 02, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

team. 45. . 7-9. Previous: . Denver Broncos. 18

Vic Fangio’s club entered Sunday’s clash with the Chargers at Los Angeles in position to sweep the Bolts for the second time in three years. Quarterback Drew Lock threw for 245 yards and one score but Denver didn’t each the end zone until late in the fourth quarter.

On the other hand, the Broncos’ inconsistent defensive unit came up with zero sacks and takeaways. The loss meant the Broncos will miss the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.

17. team. 59. . 8-8. Previous: . Miami Dolphins

Brian Flores’ club took their seven-game winning streak to Nashville and took on the AFC South leaders. It was a tough outing for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the offense. The team was limited to 256 total yards and three points.

The defense allowed a season-high 198 yards rushing. Tagovailoa was sacked four times and turned over the ball twice. And when the Chargers won later on Sunday, Flores’ team was eliminated from playoff contention.

New Orleans Saints. 16. team. 15. . 8-8. Previous:

The Saints hosted the Panthers looking to get back to the .500 mark. And the New Orleans’ defense spent the afternoon in the Carolina backfield. Led by veteran end Cameron Jordan (3.5), Dennis Allen’s unit dropped Sam Darnold seven times. The team trailed 10-3 early in the second quarter but scored the final 15 points of the game.

Sean Payton’s club still has postseason hopes. The Saints need a win over the Falcons and a loss by the 49ers.

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