Davis Mills of the Houston Texans looks to make a pass against the Tennessee Titans. NFL Power Rankings (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
There were a lot of late-game heroics in the NFL last week. How did some of these results affect the new NFL Power Rankings?
The holiday season made the NFL schedule interesting for Week 16. The Jets hosted the Jaguars on Thursday night, then 11 games were played on Christmas Eve two days later. There was a Christmas triple schedule with games in Miami, Los Angeles and Arizona. Finally, the Chargers visited Indianapolis on Monday night.
It was also another week where a few more teams could clinch a playoff spot. Three clubs (Colts, Eagles and Cardinals) also introduced a new quarterback. All of this has resulted in a fascinating new edition of the NFL Power Ranking.
NFL Power Rankings after Week 16
32
Chicago Bears 3-12
Last week : L, 35-13 vs BUF
Last row: 30th
Matt Eberflus’ team began a seven-game losing streak when they faced the Bills at Soldier Field. The Bears held their hosts in check in the first half and had a surprising 10-6 lead after two quarters.
Chicago only passed for 88 yards after intermission and was down 29-3 in the second half. During their eight-game losing streak, the Bears gave up a total of 261 points and 30 offensive touchdowns.
31
Houston Texans 2-12-1
Last week : W, 19-14 at TEN
Last row: 32 ème
It was another long year for this team, but for the second straight season, the Texans beat the Titans in Nashville. The league’s worst running defense once again had a tough outing, with Tennessee’s Derrick Henry finishing with 126 of his club’s 184 rushing yards.
Lovie Smith’s side finished with three takeaways, including a fumble from Henry and two interceptions from Titans rookie Malik Willis. It was only the second win of the year for the Texans.
30
Denver Broncos 4-11
Last week : L, 51-14 to LAR
Last row: 26th
The Broncos traveled to SoFi Stadium for the second time this season, this time to face the Rams. Just over 10 minutes into the game, Denver trailed 17-0 as quarterback Russell Wilson threw two interceptions that allowed Los Angeles to score two touchdowns.
Wilson finished his day with 214 passing yards, one goal and three interceptions, while being tackled six times. On Monday, the Broncos fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett.
29
Arizona Cardinals 4-11
Last week : L, 19-16 vs TB (OT)
Last row: 28th
The Cardinals host the Buccaneers on Christmas Eve and Trace McSorley became Kliff Kingsbury’s third different starting quarterback this season. Arizona’s defense held firm for most of the game and the club had a 16-6 lead going into the fourth quarter.
The Kingsbury club were done scoring for the night and McSorley finished with three turnovers. While veteran JJ Watt had another good game, Arizona lost its fifth straight game.
Following : Nos. 28-25
