2018 NFL Power Rankings: Divisional Playoffs edition

1. New England Patriots

13-3 (AFC East champions)

No. 1 Seed in AFC

This week: vs. Tennessee Titans in AFC Divisional Playoffs

The last time the New England Patriots missed the NFL postseason was back in 2008. Ironically, that was the last time we saw the Tennessee Titans in the playoffs until last week. Regardless, the defending Super Bowl champions are back in business. Bill Belichick’s club overcame a mediocre 2-2 start, won 11 of their last 12 games and are the AFC’s top seed…again.

So do these upstart Titans present a threat to the league’s reigning dynasty? The Pats offer the NFL’s top-ranked offense and the second-ranked passing game while only the Los Angeles Rams scored more points this season. The defense, although radically improved from earlier in the season, has still shown some vulnerability to the run. The team has allowed 120-plus rushing yards in seven outings this year.

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It’s been quite some time since the Patriots were tripped up this early in the postseason. You would have to go back to the 2010 AFC Divisional Playoffs when the team was stunned by the upstart New York Jets at home, 28-21. Since then, Brady, Belichick and the club has reaches six consecutive conference championship contests and advanced to the Super Bowl three times. Still, the defensive concerns are certainly real. And a running back like Derrick Henry and an offensive line like the Titans could be a source of concern for Matt Patricia’s unit.

Still, it’s the Patriots and they’ve certainly earned any benefit of the doubt. And Belichick and company are certainly champions until dethroned.