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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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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 02: Eli Mitchell #25 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Levi’s Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 02: Eli Mitchell #25 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Levi’s Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

NFL Power Rankings: Week 18

9-7. Previous: . San Francisco 49ers. 12. team. 42.

The 49ers had a little extra time to prepare for the visiting Texans. Trey Lance would make his second NFL start in place of injured Jimmy Garoppolo. He had some early issues but settled in nicely, throwing for 249 yards and two touchdowns (1 interception).

Elijah Mitchell totaled 21 carries for 119 yards as San Francisco rushed for 175 yards. The Niners’ defense racked up three sacks and limited the Houston offense to a mere 222 yards of total offense.

16. . 10-6. Previous: . Buffalo Bills. 11. team

The Bills hosted the Falcons in snowy Buffalo looking for their 10th win of the season. Josh Allen completed less than half of his passes (11-of-26), his longest completion was 15 yards and he failed to throw a touchdown pass but was picked off three times.

But both he and running back Devin Singletary ran for two scores and the Bills rushed for 233 yards. And Sean McDermott’s club is headed to the playoffs for the fourth times in five years.

47. . 10-6. Previous: . New England Patriots. 10. team

The Patriots welcomed the struggling Jaguars to Foxborough and made easy work of the team with the worst record in the league. And Bill Belichick’s club wound up clinching a playoff berth in the process with their win and the Dolphins’ loss at Tennessee.

The Patriots rolled up 471 yards of total offense – 181 on the ground. Mac Jones threw for 227 yards and three scores. And opportunistic New England picked off Trevor Lawrence three times.

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