Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: Playoff picture taking shape heading into Week 17

By Peter Panacy

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: The Atlanta Falcons play the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: The Atlanta Falcons play the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans walks off the field following his loss against the Los Angeles Rams at Nissan Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Shaban Athuman/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans walks off the field following his loss against the Los Angeles Rams at Nissan Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Shaban Athuman/Getty Images) /

Previous: . Tennessee Titans. 19. team. 35. . L, 27-23 vs. Rams

Both the Raiders and Tennessee Titans are in that mix of teams you thought you’d see deep into the playoffs.

Well, not so much. Oakland is out, and Tennessee is clinging to its chances by the slimmest of margins. And it was a team that controlled its own destiny in the playoff push just a few short weeks ago.

But that was before the Titans lost three straight, all to NFC West foes, with the latest defeat coming at home to running back Todd Gurley and the Los Angeles Rams.

We’ll give credit to the Titans for holding their own against a potent Rams offense. And one could easily argue the Rams don’t win this road contest without Gurley in the mix.

Yet he was, the Titans lost and their playoff chances take a serious blow.

While Tennessee jumps a spot in our NFL power rankings, it’s more because of the faltering teams below them. And the Titans may soon be in that mix depending on what happens next week.