Titans take rightful place in AFC playoff picture

Projecting the 12 teams most deserving of playoff berths, and then ranking them heading into Week 17.

1. Baltimore (13-2)

Ravens have already said they will be resting some of their key players, but it will be interesting to see if Robert Griffin III can open a few eyes.

This week: vs. Pittsburgh (8-7). Last week’s ranking: 1.

2. San Francisco (12-3)

The No. 1 seed is up for grabs against the Seahawks. The loser settles for the No. 5 seed. It likely means Super Bowl or bust.

This week: at Seattle (11-4). Last week’s ranking: 2.

3. New Orleans (12-3)

One of the underrated things about the Saints is how mentally tough they are. Good, tough win vs. Titans last week.

This week: at Carolina (5-10). Last week’s ranking: 3.

4. Kansas City (11-4)

Forget the offense, Chiefs have allowed just 9.6 points in their last five games. Different KC team this year.

This week: vs. Chargers (5-10). Last week’s ranking: 5.

5. New England (12-3)

The offense finally was efficient and effective vs. good Buffalo D. Are we seeing a repeat of last year?

This week: vs. Miami (4-11). Last week’s ranking: 6.

6. Seattle (11-4)

Better movie title for Marshawn Lynch’s unretirement: “Return of Beast Mode” or “The Last Beast Mode”?

This week: vs. San Francisco (12-3). Last week’s ranking: 4.

7. Green Bay (12-3)

The dominant outside linebacker play of The Smith Bros. — Preston and Za’Darius — makes them dangerous.

This week: at Detroit (3-11-1). Last week’s ranking: 7.

8. Minnesota (10-5)

Could Kirk Cousins be so married to his gameday routine that he’s incapable of playing well outside of 10 a.m. PT starts (0-9 on Mondays)?

This week: vs. Chicago (7-8). Last week’s ranking: 8.

9. Tennessee (8-7)

If RB Derrick Henry is healthy, this is the team no one wants to play. A first-round upset of the Chiefs is definitely in play.

This week: at Houston (10-5). Last week’s ranking: 11.

10. Houston (10-5)

The predictable beat goes on: WR Will Fuller is limited to just 19 snaps and the Texans barely beat Bucs despite defense getting five turnovers.

This week: vs. Tennessee (8-7). Last week’s ranking: 9.

11. Buffalo (10-5)

The Bills would have beaten the Patriots at Gillette if QB Josh Allen could have completed a few more throws that were there. But he can’t.

This week: vs. Jets (6-9). Last week’s ranking: 10.

12. Philadelphia (8-7)

Well, someone had to win the NFC East. The defense will have to continue to no allow touchdowns for a chance in playoffs.

This week: at Giants (4-11). Last week’s ranking: Not ranked.

Dropped out: Dallas (7-8).

Knocking on the door: Pittsburgh (8-7), Oakland (7-8), Indianapolis (7-8).

Greg A. Bedard covers the NFL for the Review-Journal. He can be reached at gbedard@reviewjournal.com. Follow @GregABedard on Twitter.