2019 NFL power rankings, Week 17: Bengals are No. 32 but pick No. 1

Recap: Mike Vrabel’s club was still in the running for a playoff berth as they hosted the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. But the Titans would be without workhorse running back Derrick Henry against the league’s fourth-ranked run defense. So it was somewhat surprising when Tennessee took an early 14-0 lead thanks to a pair of 40-plus yard touchdown plays. But eventually Drew Brees and company woke up and put 38 points on the board the rest of the way. Ryan Tannehill threw for 272 yards and three scores but was also sacked five times. The Titans did manage to run for a very-respectable 149 yards, 49 of that coming on A.J. Brown’s first-quarter touchdown run.

Next Week: For the second time in three weeks, the Titans battle the rival Texans and Vrabel’s squad looks to avenge a 24-21 home loss in Week 15. Tennessee has dropped seven straight road games in this series dating back to 2012. But it’s also worth noting that these AFC South rivals have split their two-game set three straight years.

Playoff Hopes: Despite two straight losses, Vrabel’s feisty Titans now control their own destiny and with a victory on Sunday a Houston will give the team a 9-7 record for the fourth consecutive year and a second wild-card berth in three seasons. Having a healthy Henry back in the lineup next week would be huge vs. the Texans’ defense.

Recap: A win on Sunday at home against the rival Cowboys would keep the Eagles alive for the NFC East title. But a loss by Doug Pederson’s club would eliminate them from the playoffs altogether. The Birds had dropped four straight games in this series, including a 37-10 Sunday night loss at Arlington earlier this year. Fourth-year quarterback Carson Wentz played arguably his most efficient game of the season, connecting on 31 of his 40 throws for 319 yards and a score. He was sacked only once, ran six times for 22 yards and he and his team did not turn over the football. And after giving up 37 points to Dallas earlier this year, the Birds allowed three field goals.

Next Week: The Birds make the short trip to East Rutherford, New Jersey, and look to make it seven straight wins over the New York Giants. Back in Week 14 on a Monday night at Philadelphia, the Eagles rallied from a 17-3 halftime deficit for a 23-17 overtime victory. Pederson’s team can sweep the series for the third straight year.

Playoff Hopes: A win next Sunday at MetLife Stadium over the Giants gives Philadelphia their second division title in three years and the Birds a third straight playoff appearance. Kudos to defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and his unit, keeping the Cowboys out of the end zone. Can the Birds avoid a letdown next Sunday at East Rutherford?

Next: Nos. 10 and 9