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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NFL Power Rankings (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

18. Indianapolis Colts (6-7) – Play on MNF

Recap: It has been a tough three weeks for the Indianapolis Colts. Two losses to division rivals in the Texans and Titans dashed their hopes of winning the AFC South, and then a Week 14 loss to the Buccaneers has all but ended their wild card hopes in the conference.

Outlook: After a 5-2 start, there was some thought that the Colts might be able to overcome the loss of Andrew Luck, but during a stretch in which this team has lost five of its last six, the warts in Jacoby Brissett‘s game are showing. Things aren’t getting any easier this week, as the Colts will have to navigate a matchup with an elite squad in the New Orleans Saints on the road on Monday Night Football.

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)

Recap: The Bucs’ offense kept on rolling in Week 15 against the Lions. Jameis Winston became the first player in NFL history to throw for 450 yards in two straight games, and Tampa Bay trounced Detroit as a result, winning 38-17.

Outlook: Winston, who is playing for a new contract with the Bucs in 2020, might be doing enough to earn it over the final weeks of the season. Tampa Bay might be out of the playoff hunt already, but they are on the verge of finishing the season strong with four wins in a row. The Bucs will host the Texans in Week 16.