Saturday, January 1, 2022

Tennessee Titans Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Tennessee Titans rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 8.6 (8th)
  • Best ranking: 7 (CBS Sports)
  • Worst ranking: 11 (NFL.com)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Titans in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 8

Non-QB MVP: DT Jeffery Simmons

Simmons' disruptive, game-changing plays don't always show in the stat sheet even though he is among the league leaders in sacks (7.5) for interior defensive linemen. But chances are Simmons is the catalyst every time there's a big play from the Titans' defense. Simmons' ability to collapse the pocket from the interior has led to multiple interceptions by the Titans. He anchors the middle of the defensive line by routinely blowing up interior offensive linemen and stopping opposing ball carriers for a loss. The way that Simmons occupies blockers allows the linebackers and safeties to get clean hits on opposing running backs. -- Turron Davenport

NFL.com -- Rank: 11

A.J. Brown played savior to the Titans' offense on Thursday night, piling up 11 catches for 145 yards and a touchdown in a massive 20-17 win over the 49ers. It was Brown's first game in five weeks, and he offered a stark reminder that this attack absolutely needs its No. 1 wide receiver to remain functional. Brown was especially vital on third down -- his eight catches in those critical situations were the most by any player in 30 years, per ESPN Stats & Information research. The win makes the Titans overwhelming favorites to win the AFC South, while the looming return of superstar running back Derrick Henry makes Tennessee a very real Super Bowl contender in the AFC. Change happens fast in the NFL.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 7

Getting A.J. Brown back really showed how different they can be with a passing game threat. They will be a tough out in the postseason.

USA Today -- Rank: 9

How crucial was return of WR A.J. Brown? He set league record with eight catches on third down in Week 16 upset of San Francisco.

The Athletic -- Rank: 8

Is he The Guy? Yes. Ryan Tannehill is a gritty winner. Helping the Titans get to 10 wins at this point without Derrick Henry has been impressive. Tannehill can make every throw, and as he showed against the 49ers last Thursday, he is a great athlete who can also win a game with his feet. Imagine how good he would be if the Titans had held onto Corey Davis instead of adding Julio Jones.

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