NFL Power Rankings, Week 12: Ravens pound Texans, Raiders stay in hunt

By Randy Gurzi | Nov 18, 2019

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 17: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after throwing a touchdown pass to tight end Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens (not pictured) against the Houston Texans during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 17: Jamal Carter #35 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after a defensive play during the third quarter during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

21. Atlanta Falcons (24)

Something finally woke up inside the Atlanta Falcons. After falling to 1-7, it looked as though the season was going down the drain. Then, they shocked the New Orleans Saints last week. In that game, they kept Drew Brees and his potent offense out of the end zone as they walked away from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome with a 26-9 win.

They continued their NFC South road tour this Sunday, going against the Carolina Panthers. Matt Ryan came into the game and was locked in. He had 311 yards passing with no interceptions and a touchdown. Still, it was the defense that deserves the credit as they had a second game in a row without giving up a touchdown.

Carolina managed just three points and they were unable to take care of the ball. Quarterback Kyle Allen had four picks, which was something they simply couldn’t overcome.

Atlanta can continue to make a lot of noise in their division as they have three more games against divisional rivals on the schedule. Next week, it will be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and they follow that up with rematches against the Saints and Panthers at home.

It’s not as if they will make a run and become a playoff team, but head coach Dan Quinn can prove he’s still a good coach. And the way this defense has played is helping in that regard considering that’s what his background is in.

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