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2019 NFL Power Rankings: Dolphins stun Patriots

By Russell S. Baxter

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins looks to pass against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins looks to pass against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 29: Boston Scott #35 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants during the third quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 29: Boston Scott #35 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants during the third quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

9-7. Previous: . Philadelphia Eagles. 12. team. 54.

Recap: Despite two straight losses, the Titans would clinch the final playoff spot in the AFC with a victory at Houston. Two weeks earlier, Mike Vrabel’s club came up short at home against Houston, 24-21. But Tennessee would take full advantage of a Texans’ squad that was sitting some of its better players. Nonetheless, running back Derrick Henry continued his strong season, carrying 32 times for 211 yards and three touchdowns on his way to securing the NFL rushing title. Rookie A.J. Brown was spectacular once again, snaring four passes for 124 yards and one score. The Titans are 9-7 for the fourth straight season but in the playoffs for the second time in three years.

Postseason Preview: The last time the Titans played in a postseason game was two years ago at Foxborough, when one week after rallying the defeat the Chiefs in the wild card round were pushed around by the Patriots. The clubs will clash on Saturday at 8:15 p.m. ET. And it is the fourth postseason meeting between these franchises.

Offseason Priorities: The second overall selection in the 2015 draft, what does the future hold for quarterback Marcus Mariota? It’s worth noting that Henry and Ryan Tannehill could also become unrestricted free agents in late March. And Titans’ general manger Jon Robinson might also want to keep veteran cornerback Logan Ryan.

11. team. 35. . 9-7. Previous: . Tennessee Titans

Recap: With Jordan Howard now healthy, the Eagles released Jay Ajayi in advance of their return match with the Giants. Three weeks earlier on a Monday night at home, Doug Pederson’s club rallied for a 23-17 overtime over Big Blue. Now the Birds could clinch the NFC East with a victory over New York but would do it without hurting tight end Zach Ertz (ribs). The Eagles’ offense totaled a tidy 400 yards and was very well-balanced thanks to a big outing from quarterback Carson Wentz as well as productive game by running back Boston Scott. The latter carried 19 times for 54 yards and three touchdowns. It was the team’s fourth straight win and it clinched a division title.

Postseason Preview: Despite the worst win-loss record of the NFC’s six playoff teams, the Eagles will host the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday 4:40 p.m. ET in the wild card round. Of course, these teams met earlier this season (Week 12) and Pete Carroll’s team went into Philadelphia and handed Pederson’s club a frustrating 17-9 loss.

Offseason Priorities: Veteran left tackle Jason Peters is 38 years old. Is he in the Eagles’ future plans or on the verge of retirement? The team’s problem-plagued secondary has a slew of potential free agents in cornerbacks Jalen Mills and Ronald Darby and safety Rodney McLeod. Will general manager Howie Roseman overhaul this unit?

Next: Nos. 10 and 9

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