NFL

2017 NFL Power Rankings: Preseason Edition

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27. Tennessee Titans, -2.66 nERD

The Tennessee Titans' offense took a significant leap forward in 2016. After ranking 29th in Adjusted NEP in 2014 and 31st in 2015, they jumped to 13th last season (11th in passing and 14th in rushing). The offensive line grades out incredibly well anywhere you look.

Defensively, the problems start to show. They slipped from 18th in 2015 to 24th in overall defense by our metrics and have ranked 28th or worse in Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP per play for three years running.

With the third-easiest 2017 schedule by projected nERD, the Titans don't need much to have a strong showing this season, but the initial 2017 projection is still bogged down by iffy pass defense metrics, which should correct with the additions of Jonathan Cyprien, Logan Ryan, and Adoree Jackson.