NFL Power Rankings: Tennessee Titans Still No. 1 Heading Into the Playoffs

1. (1) Tennessee Titans (13-3)

The Titans lost an exhibition game to the Colts on Sunday but they could meet again in two or three weeks with a whole lot more on the line.

2. (2) New York Giants (12-4)

The Giants were barely trying and still almost beat a desperate Vikings team in Minnesota.  The G-Men are the team to beat in the NFC.

3. (3) Carolina Panthers (12-4)

After a disappointing loss to the Giants, the Panthers bounced right back to win at the Saints and clinch the NFC South crown along with a bye.

4. (4) Indianapolis Colts (12-4)

The hottest team in the NFL should have no problem against San Diego next week, but then again, that’s what they thought last year.

5. (5) Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

Ben Roethlisberger should be healthy enough to start the Steelers’ divisional playoff game in two weeks after being taken off the field on a stretcher Sunday, but will Pittsburgh’s offensive line be able to protect him enough for the Steelers to advance in the tournament?

6. (6) Baltimore Ravens (11-5)

The Ravens looked impressive in a must-win against the Jags, but that’s what we’ve come to expect from a team which has a very good shot to win at Miami this weekend.

7. (7) Atlanta Falcons (11-5)

The Falcons should be one of four road teams to win during the wild card round.

8. (9) Miami Dolphins (11-5)

What an incredible season for Tony Sparano, Chad Pennington and the entire Miami Dolphins organization, but there’s a good chance it could come to an end against Baltimore.

9. (10) New England Patriots (11-5)

It’s funny how the same people who made fun of Hank Steinbrenner for his comments on the reorganization of the MLB playoffs are now complaining about the NFL playoff setup for the identical reason.

10. (16) Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1)

What a difference a week makes.  After scoring just three in a near-must-win against the Redskins in Week 16, the Eagles absolutely destroy the Cowboys to clinch a wild card berth.

11. (13) Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

The NFC East team they play next week will have plenty to play for.

12. (19) San Diego Chargers (8-8)

Last week, I predicted a 69-0 Chargers' victory.  San Diego's defense really let me down.

13. (17) Arizona Cardinals (9-7)

Kurt Warner is 7-1 in his career against the Falcons, but he won’t be playing defense this weekend.

14. (8) Dallas Cowboys (9-7)

And the award for the most embarrassing performance of the year goes to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17. 

15. (11) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)

The Bucs gave up more than 30 points per game during a four-game losing streak that cost them a playoff spot.

16. (12) New York Jets (9-7)

There is a 100% chance Brett Favre returns next year to lead another team to a mediocre season.

17. (14) Chicago Bears (9-7)

The Bears’ December magic ran out in Houston.

18. (15) Washington Redskins (8-8)

The Redskins went 2-6 in the second half.

19. (18) New Orleans Saints (8-8)

What a great year for Drew Brees, who fell just 16 yards short of passing Dan Marino's single-season mark of 5,084 yards set back in 1984.  Not as great of a season for the Saints, though.

20. (20) Buffalo Bills (7-9)

The Bills failed to score a touchdown in three of their final five games.

21. (21) Denver Broncos (8-8)

The only team in NFL history to have sole possession of first place throughout the entire season and not make the playoffs.

22. (22) San Francisco 49ers (7-9)

The Niners were a five-point loss to the Cards in Week 10 away from finishing the season tied for first place in their division. 

23. (23) Houston Texans (8-8)

Get the 2009 hype going again.

24. (25) Oakland Raiders (5-11)

Wow, I did not see that one coming.  Kudos to the Raiders for showing up and playing a great game to knock the Bucs out of the playoffs.  Philly thanks you.

25. (27) Green Bay Packers (6-10)

At least they didn’t lose to the Lions.

26. (28) Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1)

After Cincy started the year 0-8, there weren’t many who thought the Bengals would have a winning record during the second half of the season.

27. (24) Seattle Seahawks (4-12)

There is a 100% chance Mike Holmgren coaches again.  Possibly for a Brett Favre team in 2010.

28. (26) Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)

The Jags will now go home and try to forget that 2008 ever happened.

29. (29) Cleveland Browns (4-12)

The Browns failed to score an offensive touchdown in their final six games.  That’s an NFL record.

30. (30) Kansas City Chiefs (2-14)

There should be some major changes this offseason in Kansas City.

31. (31) St. Louis Rams (2-14)

The Browns haven’t scored an offensive touchdown since Nov. 17, the Chiefs have lost 23 of their last 25 games, and the Rams haven’t won since 12 days before Halloween, yet none of those teams are in last place in the final regular season Power Rankings.

32. (32) Detroit Lions (0-16)

Jordan Schwartz is Bleacher Report's New York Yankees Community Leader. His book "Memoirs of the Unaccomplished Man" is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and authorhouse.com.

Jordan can be reached at [e-mail]