It was another week of interesting results and a forgettable Sunday for the NFC North. How did this all of this affect the newest NFL Power Rankings?
LONDON, ENG – OCTOBER 27: Cincinnati Bengals first year Head Coach Zac Taylor stands on the sideline during the NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams on October 27, 2019 at Wembley Stadium, London, England. (Photo by Martin Leitch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
32
Cincinnati Bengals 0-8
Last week: OFF
Last rank: 31st
Recap: The team was off this past week but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t news. It was announced that veteran signal-caller Andy Dalton would take a seat and rookie Ryan Finley would get the start when the team returned to action on November 10. Now if head coach Zac Taylor and his coaching staff can only come up with solutions on the other side of the football? The Bengals entered Week 9 having given up the most total yards and rushing yards per game in the league. In fact, the club has allowed 200-plus yards on the ground in four of their eight outings. On offense, no team in the NFL was averaging fewer rushing yards per game. It’s been nothing short of disastrous.
Next Week: It’s the second meeting of the season between the Bengals and Ravens. In Week 6 at Baltimore, Taylor’s team took it on the chin, 23-17. The last time Cincinnati was swept in this series was 2011. Meanwhile, despite two straight losses in this setting, the Bengals own a 9-5 record in the last 14 contests in this rivalry.
Playoff hopes: While no team has been mathematically eliminated from the 2019 postseason, it’s hard to imagine Taylor’s team suddenly turning things around. From 2011-15, the Bengals were in the postseason for five straight years and compiled a 52-27-1 regular-season record. Since ’16, they’re a combined 19-36-1 and with few answers.
31
Washington Redskins 1-8
Last week: L, 24-9 at BUF
Last rank: 29th
Recap: When it was all said and done, left tackle Trent Williams is still a member of the Washington Redskins and ended his holdout. But the seven-time Pro Bowler wound up failing his physical upon his arrival. Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins would make his first NFL start against one of the better defenses in the league. Bill Callahan’s club would be limited to three Dustin Hopkins’ field goals while Haskins – who threw for only 144 yards but did not turn over the ball – was sacked four times. Ageless Adrian Peterson ran for 108 yards and continues to have another solid year. The Redskins have now gone three straight games without scoring a touchdown.
Next Week: The disappointing Redskins have some time off but when they return to action in mid-November, the club plays hosts to the New York Jets for the first time since 2011. While Washington owns an 8-3 lifetime edge in a series that began back in 1972, the ‘Skins have dropped their last two games to the Green and White.
Playoff hopes: Yes, this was a loss in the other conference for Callahan’s team. But the Redskins are already dug themselves a 0-3 hole within the division and would now have to run the table to salvage a .500 season. It’s been a very long year for a franchise on its ninth different head coach since Dan Snyder purchased the team in 1999.