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) /

7 of 33

SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 16: Jeff Wilson #41 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a 16-yard run against the Seattle Seahawks in overtime of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

27. San Francisco 49ers (27)

The legend of Nick Mullens keeps growing. While he won’t parlay his success into a $137 million contract like Jimmy Garoppolo did, but the San Francisco 49ers are once again winning down the stretch despite a rough start to the season. They are now on a two-game winning streak after upsetting the Denver Broncos in Week 14 and now taking out the Seattle Seahawks in an overtime thriller in Week 15.

Mullens was efficient in the win, going 20-of-29 for 275 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. He was aided by 96 yards out of the running back duo of Matt Breida and Jeff Wilson, Jr., but it was the defense that stepped up in this one.

DeForest Buckner had 11 tackles — four for a loss — and two sacks as he made life hard on Russell Wilson. They were able to slow down the offense of Seattle just enough to get it to overtime and then veteran kicker Robbie Gould knocked in a kick from 36-yards out for the win.

San Francisco should be better next season with the return to health of Garoppolo. They could also do themselves some favors by adding more weapons in the passing game. They’re not far off from being contenders, but this wasn’t their season thanks to the ACL tear of their franchise quarterback.

Home/NFL