NFL Power Rankings: Playoff picture takes shape before Week 12

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 22: Running back Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans and wide receiver Kalif Raymond #14 celebrate after Henry scored the game winning touchdown in overtime against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 22: Running back Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans and wide receiver Kalif Raymond #14 celebrate after Henry scored the game winning touchdown in overtime against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Nov 22, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) scores the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) scores the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Tennessee Titans (+4)

The Tennessee Titans finished this game without their starting left tackle, left guard, top cornerback, best linebacker, slot receiver, strong safety, and their 2nd best EDGE. Despite all of that and despite playing on the road against a team that needed a win as badly as the Titans did, they managed to pull one out in overtime.

This team has some huge problems on defense and most of them aren’t going away because they all point back to Mike Vrabel and Shane Bowen not being able to see what the problem is in their own scheme. However, there is some optimism that eventually they will get Adoree Jackson back on the field and an unfortunate injury to Jayon Brown should mean that David Long gets more playing time (which is a great thing).

With that hope and with some important players getting healthy on offense soon, maybe this is a team that can finally break through that 9-7 barrier. At 7-3, winning next week against the Colts would be huge but it is no longer their only path to the playoffs.

7. Buffalo Bills (+0)

The Bills are back at #7 in the power rankings this week after their bye week and they are still in a great position to win the AFC East after the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots both lost today.