NFL power rankings, Week 16: Broncos fall, Titans surge

Nov 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes during the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Tennessee won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes during the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Tennessee won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs the ball against Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Brent Grimes (24) in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Dallas Cowboys won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs the ball against Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Brent Grimes (24) in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Dallas Cowboys won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

team. 123. Dak Prescott responded to the ridiculous calls for Tony Romo to replace him with a near perfect first half against Tampa Bay. Prescott and fellow rookie Ezekiel Elliott each ran for a touchdown in the second quarter. Elliott even donated himself to the Salvation Army at the end of one of his runs by jumping into the giant kettle. The Cowboys finally got help from their pass rush, reaching Jameis Winston four times, and forcing multiple turnovers because of it. It was a little too close for comfort for Cowboys fans, but somehow Dallas was able to pull this one out. <p>Next Week: Dallas hosts the Lions for Monday Night Football, where they have an opportunity to secure their spot atop the NFC playoff picture. Detroit has only allowed six rushing touchdowns this season, creating a unique challenge for rookie Ezekiel Elliott. Dallas needs to find answers for reaching the injured Matthew Stafford, but being among the worst pass rushing teams in the league could also be an issue the Cowboys need to gameplan for.</p> <p>Playoff hopes: Dallas will have homefield advantage once the playoffs roll around, and having the bye week could ultimately be a good thing for Dak Prescott. Giving the rookie a week to correct all of his mistakes heading into the biggest game of his life can only spell good things for the Cowboys.</p>. 12-2. Previous: . Dallas Cowboys. 1