NFL Power Rankings, Week 16: Steelers back to life, Cowboys stumble

NFL Power Rankings, Week 16: Steelers come back to life, Cowboys stumble

By Randy Gurzi | Dec 17, 2018

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 16: Members of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense reacts after an interception by Joe Haden #23 in the fourth quarter during the game against the New England Patriots at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 16: Jeff Driskel #6 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass during the third quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /

29. Cincinnati Bengals (32)

Finally, the Cincinnati Bengals stopped the bleeding. Once in the middle of the AFC North race, the Bengals fell off as they lost five games in a row. Their defeats at the hands of the Saints, Ravens, Browns, Broncos, and Chargers sent them from a 5-3 club to a 5-8 franchise who just needed to try and save face. Making it more difficult on them was the loss of Andy Dalton and wide receiver A.J. Green to injuries.

With Jeff Driskel starting, they haven’t been too high powered on offense, but this week they found something that worked — the running game. Joe Mixon was on fire as he rushed the ball 27 times for 129 yards and two scores. Driskel added another 32 yards, but he was modest in the passing game with just 130 yards and a pick and touchdown apiece.

Cincinnati did also face the Raiders, who came in as the No. 32 team in our Week 16 NFL Power Rankings, so the win has to be taken with a grain of salt. Having said that, it could give them some momentum down the stretch as they hope to play spoiler to the Cleveland Browns hopes of a winning season and the Steelers shot at landing the AFC North title.

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