NFL Power Rankings, Week 16: Seahawks rise, Titans and 49ers fall

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 15: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 15: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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NFL Power Rankings (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
NFL Power Rankings (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

6. New England Patriots (11-3)

Recap: After falling behind 10-7 in the first quarter, the Patriots took care of business and steamrolled the Bengals, out-scoring the lowly squad 27-3 the rest of the way. The win snapped the Pats’ two-game losing streak, also.

Outlook: This was an important win for the Pats, who have the Chiefs breathing down their neck for the No. 2 spot in the AFC and a bye in the first round of the playoffs. The Pats hold a one-game lead over KC and need to keep it that way with the Chiefs owning the head-to-head tiebreaker in the event of a tie. New England will host the Bills in Week 16.

5. Kansas City Chiefs (10-4)

Recap: A nasty, snowy mess wasn’t enough to stop the Chiefs’ offense in Week 15. Instead, KC went to work as usual, and the defense held the Broncos to just three points, stopping the Drew Lock hype train in its tracks.

Outlook: The Chiefs have already wrapped up their own division, so now their sights are set on possibly getting a bye in the first round. They still trail the Patriots in that regard, as New England is one game ahead; however the Chiefs own the head-to-head tiebreaker. Kansas City will look for its fifth-straight win in Week 16 against the Bears.