The Tennessee Titans got back to their winning ways in Week 10 when they defeated the Denver Broncos, 17-10, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
Despite the win, the Titans are moving down in the NFL power rankings of USA TODAY’s Nate Davis, who kicks off this week’s round-up, per usual. Davis has the Titans falling one spot to No. 15. Here’s why:
15. Titans (14): They’re averaging 18.4 points per game. In the last 20 years, two clubs of 140 (1.4%) have scored at such a low clip yet still made postseason.
Thanks to their elite defense and a laughably bad division around them, the Titans should be able to make their way to the postseason in 2022, even with their offense playing as poorly as it has.
But as we argued when Tennessee did nothing to address their issues at the trade deadline, don’t expect much more than that.
Now, a look at the rest of this week’s round-up of NFL power rankings.
Mark Lane, Touchdown Wire: 5 (+2)
The Titans continue their dominance as the class of the AFC, not just their division. With Ryan Tannehill back in the lineup, Tennessee should be able to make a significant push for the top spot in the conference.
Robert Zeglinski and Christian D'Andrea, For The Win: 10 (+1)
Robert Zeglinski and Christian D’Andrea, For The Win:
Ryan Tannehill returned to the lineup and struggled to elevate the Titans’ passing game, but it didn’t matter because he was up against the picked-over carrion of the Broncos’ offense. The Tennessee defense continues to thrive under Mike Vrabel, which will be enough for another AFC South title. After that? Well, that’s gonna depend on Tannehill and some of his unproven targets stepping up.
Barry Werner, The List Wire: 11 (no change)
The Titans are playing Tennessee football, which means a steady offense — exempting the flea-flicker — and a tough defense. The AFC South is awful beneath them, so Mike Vrabel will have to keep his players sharp when they have the division locked, which should be shortly. Next: at Green Bay Packers
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: 7 (+4)
The Titans saw Derrick Henry slowed but had Ryan Tannehill back just in time to wake up their passing game in key moments against the Broncos, with the defense doing its usual grinding while well shorthanded.
Frank Schwab, Yahoo Sports: 10 (+1)
The Titans didn’t play well on offense. Derrick Henry had just 2.8 yards per carry. They had just 14 first downs. But the defense showed up and the Titans won an ugly game. If you keep winning games that you seemingly have no business winning, and do it over multiple seasons, that’s a skill.
Josh Schrock, NBC Sports: 13 (+1)
13. Tennessee Titans (6-3): The Titans needed a flea-flicker to shift the momentum in a 17-10 win over a Broncos team that can’t buy 14 points. If it smells like a fraud and it walks like a fraud …
Dan Hanzus, NFL.com: 9 (-1)
At long last, a Titans wide receiver has stepped up. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine provided a massive lift to Todd Downing’s scuffling passing attack, hauling in five receptions for 119 yards and two touchdowns in a 17-10 win over the Broncos. Both scoring tosses came from Ryan Tannehill, who was far from 100 percent after missing a week with a high ankle sprain, but still able to lead the offense on a pair of touchdown drives with Derrick Henry throttled by a stubborn Denver defense. The schedule does Tannehill and his bum ankle no favors: The Titans are back on the field again on Thursday for a road matchup against the Packers.
NFL Nation, ESPN: 11 (+1)
Who was on the hot seat in preseason: QB Ryan Tannehill
Temperature of seat right now: ColdTannehill missed two games before returning to post his best passing performance since the season opener by completing 19 of 36 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns Sunday. The Titans are going to keep relying on the rushing attack and asking Tannehill to make a play or two per game to help them win while not turning the football over. So far, his eight touchdowns to three interceptions fit the bill. The proverbial clock started ticking on Tannehill when Tennessee drafted Malik Willis, but the Titans have remained steadfast that the rookie’s development will be a ground-up process. Expect to see Tannehill back next season.
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: 13 (+1)
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk:
13. Titans (6-3; No. 14): A short-week visit to Green Bay will be a pretty good litmus test as to whether they’re a real contender.
