The Tennessee Titans delivered their most complete performance of the season in Week 16, knocking off the Kansas City Chiefs with a decisive 26-9 win. For a team that’s struggled to find consistency all year, this was more than just a win-it was a statement. And while the Chiefs were down to their third-string quarterback by the end of the game, the Titans took care of business the way a team on the rise should.
Tennessee capitalized on the opportunity, exploiting a depleted Kansas City offense and finding rhythm on both sides of the ball. For the first time in weeks, the Titans looked like a cohesive unit-disciplined on defense, opportunistic on offense, and confident in the huddle. It’s the kind of performance that doesn’t just show up in the box score-it shows up in how a team carries itself.
With just two games left in the regular season, the Titans now shift their focus to a winnable matchup against the 5-10 New Orleans Saints. And while a playoff berth is off the table, these final games carry weight-especially for a young quarterback trying to prove he belongs, and a franchise evaluating its next steps.
Let’s take a look at how the Titans are being viewed across the league as we head into Week 17, with a roundup of national power rankings and analysis.
USA TODAY - Rank: 24 (+6)
Tony Pollard is quietly stacking strong performances, and his recent three-game streak of 100-yard rushing efforts is a big reason why the Titans' offense has found a spark.
He’s on pace for a fourth straight 1,000-yard season-though he’s still chasing that elusive 1,100-yard mark. Pollard’s consistency has brought balance to the offense, taking pressure off rookie quarterback Cam Ward and giving Tennessee a reliable ground game to lean on.
Yahoo! Sports - Rank: 31 (No Change)
Let’s be honest-if you saw “Titans beat Chiefs 26-9” a few weeks ago, you’d have done a double take. But context matters.
Kansas City was without Patrick Mahomes, and Gardner Minshew left early, forcing the Chiefs to dig deep into their quarterback depth chart. Still, the Titans did what good teams do: take advantage of the situation and control the game.
One of the more intriguing postgame storylines came from star defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, who gave a strong endorsement of Cam Ward. "Cam has the right mindset.
That's the reason why I don't want to go nowhere,” Simmons said. “I see the competitive nature and the growth as a rookie.”
That’s not just lip service-Simmons’ words carry weight in that locker room, and it speaks to the belief building around Ward.
The Ringer - Rank: 29 (+1)
Cam Ward’s rookie campaign has had its ups and downs, but if you’ve been watching closely, the flashes are there.
His touch on intermediate throws has noticeably improved, and despite operating behind a shaky offensive line, his pocket awareness has held up. The Titans haven’t asked him to carry the offense, but when he’s been given the chance, he’s shown signs of what could be a bright future.
Sure, it came against a Chiefs team that was clearly out of sync, but the win-and Ward’s growth-are tangible steps forward.
The Sporting News - Rank: 27 (+4)
Cam Ward is turning a corner, and it’s showing up in the win column.
The Titans looked like a team gaining confidence, and the victory over Kansas City was a much-needed boost. It’s not just about one game-it’s about the direction this team is trending in, and right now, it’s pointing up.
CBS Sports - Rank: 28 (+2)
Beating the Chiefs may not help Tennessee’s draft position, but it does help morale.
For a young team with a rookie quarterback and a likely coaching change on the horizon, these final games are about building momentum. And wins-regardless of circumstances-go a long way in that process.
Sports Illustrated - Rank: 27 (+1)
There’s a growing curiosity around Cam Ward’s trajectory.
His numbers-like ranking 32nd out of 33 qualifying quarterbacks in EPA per play-don’t jump off the page. But neither did Caleb Williams’ last season, and the comparison is starting to pick up steam.
Both quarterbacks have shown rare instincts when plays break down. What Ward needs now is the right coach and system to unlock his full potential.
The Athletic - Rank: 28 (+2)
Cam Ward has had his share of rookie struggles, but there’s no denying his progress.
The offensive line is improving, and Ward is starting to find his rhythm. The next step?
Hiring the right head coach to guide this team into the next phase. There’s real potential here-Tennessee just has to get the leadership piece right.
List Wire - Rank: 30 (-3)
A win over the Chiefs would’ve been headline news in past years.
This time, it’s more of a footnote in a rebuilding season. Still, it’s a win that can help lay the foundation for what’s next.
Walter Football - Rank: 26 (+5)
The Titans have struggled against the spread over the past two seasons, but they looked sharp against Kansas City.
The defense has been a different unit since Jeffery Simmons returned, and Cam Ward did what he needed to do. That said, it’s fair to question how much effort the Chiefs were putting in by the end of that game.
ESPN NFL Nation - Rank: 27 (+4)
Rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike continues to be one of the league’s most dynamic all-purpose threats.
He leads the NFL in total yards with 2,269 and has already set a Titans franchise record with 1,535 kick return yards. His versatility has become a focal point of the offense-and even when he doesn’t touch the ball, he’s moving the defense.
Offensive coordinator Bo Hardegree has used Dike as a decoy in motion to open up space for others, and it’s working. He’s not just producing-he’s changing the way defenses play against Tennessee.
Bottom Line:
The Titans are still a work in progress, but Week 16 offered a glimpse of what this team might become.
Cam Ward is growing into the role, Tony Pollard is heating up at the right time, and Chimere Dike is proving to be a game-changer in more ways than one. With two games left and momentum finally on their side, Tennessee has a chance to end the season on a high note-and set the tone for a pivotal offseason ahead.