thenflthisweek.com has a record of 8-0-1 in NFL picks against the spread over the last few weeks.  Now we are expanding our analysis to include our top 10 NFL Power Rankings. Why?

After doing extensive analysis on the NFL Power Rankings, we determined they are as objective as the college football polls. 

Sources such as ESPN, FOX and other entities all come up with their own.  But who is right?  None.  So we at thenflthisweek.com have compiled our own ranking based on many factors – and we tell you what these factors are!

 The ranking was ascertained by rating overall record, record within the division, record within the conference, strength of schedule, points scored, points given up, home/away record, key injuries, expert analysis, game statistics, turnover ratio, quarterback, running back and wide receiver strength, defense prowess and other intangibles.   WEEK 16 schedule and location are not a factor in the power rankings.

In week 15 of the NFL season, the top two teams in the NFL power ranking both loss.  The Tennessee Titans lost to the Houston Texans and the New York Giants lost to the Dallas Cowboys.  So how did the loses effect the overall power ranking going into week 16?

Here are our top 10 NFL Football Power Rankings for Week 16

1)  Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3-0)
The Steelers played the Baltimore Ravens in a masterful game last week – winning with a few minutes left on the clock. There defense is the best in the AFC and the offense scores just enough points to win.  Pittsburgh leads the AFC North and will play the leader of the AFC South on Sunday – Tennessee Titans.

2) Tennesee Titans (12-2-0)
Although the Titans lost to the Houston Texans.  The Texans are a very good team even though they are only  7-7.  The Titans have a formidable defense that gives them an edge of the #3 ranked New York Giants.

3) New York Giants (12-2-0)
Yeah, we know they lost two games in a row. But Eli Manning and the Giants defense have what it takes to finish undefeated.  Playing within the conference certainly hurt them the last two weeks -but again, the Giants defense is the best in the NFC.  The Giants play #4 ranked Carolina at home on Sunday. Giants are #1 in the NFC East

4) Carolina Panthers (11-3-0)
The Panthers have been a sleeper most of the year but are turning it on over the last few weeks.  The test will come this weekend when they play the Giants in the Swamps of Jersey. The Panthers are in first place in the NFC South.

5) Dallas Cowboys (9-5-0)
The Cowboys defense sacked Eli Manning 8 times last week in Dallas and made the Giants offense look sad.  Romo and company are fighting amongst themselves but that should help them as each player wants to prove their worth.  They are in second place in the NFC East behind the Giants.  They are not guaranteed a postseason spot at this time. Dallas plays on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. 

6)  Baltimore Ravens (9-5-0)
The Ravens lost a tough fought battle to the AFC North leader Pittsburgh Steelers last week 13-9.  The Ravens defense is as good as the Steelers, except for one game against the Giants earlier in the season.  The Ravens play the Dallas Cowboys on the road in Dallas next Saturday

7) Indianapolis Colts (10-4-0)
Where have the Colts been all year?  It seems that Peyton Manning’s knee has healed as they have reeled off 8 wins in a row.  The Colts are right behind the Tennessee Titans is the AFC South.  The play Jacksonville on 4 days rest this week, in the Thursday night game of the week.

New England Patriots (9-5-0)
Who would have thunk it? Even if the Patriots win out – they could still miss the postseason.  Matt Cassel has been tremendous at QB and done something even the great Tom Brady hasn’t done – thrown for two 400 yard games in a season.  The defense is old but they get the job done. The Patriots play at home against the Arizona Cardinals – they should get it done.

9) Minnesota Vikings (9-5-0)
Probably the most underrated team in the league. The Viking play at home against Atlanta.  They quietly lead the NFC North.

10) Atlanta Falcons (9-5-0)
Another sleeper who may have their first winning season in years.  They are tied with the Tampa Bay Bucs for second in the NFC South.  They play the Viking Sunday – this game will determine their destiny.

So there you have it.  The top 10 teams in the NFL according to thenflthisweek.com.

Check back on Thursday afternoon for our Thursday Night Pick of The Week, check on Saturday for our Saturday and Sunday pick and on Monday for our Monday Night Pick of the Week.  Tuesdays we revisit the power rankings for the week.

Oh boy, the NFL Week 15 Power Ranking are out and the Titans have regained top billing.  The NY Giants slipped to number 2 after their week 14 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.  Here are the rankings.
1. Titans (12-1) (2): The train keeps on rollin’. After upset loss two weeks ago to Jets, Titans back on track and on the way to No. 1 seed.

2. Giants (11-2) (1): A momentary glitch, or a sign of things to come? We’ll give the defending champs the benefit of the doubt and choose the former. For a more definitive answer, tune in on Sunday night in Big D.

3. Stillers (10-3) (3): You’ve got to be good to be lucky. In Sunday’s comeback win over the Cowboys, the Stillers were both.

4. Panthers (10-3) (6): Holy Crap(honso) Thorpe! 299 rushing yards against the Bucs? Whoa. Big challenge for Panthers now is winning on the road. They’re unbeaten at home.

5. Colts (9-4) (8): That’s six wins and counting. Home to Detroit, at Jacksonville and home to a Titans team that might not need the win in the finale, and the Colts might win out.

6. Buccaneers (9-4) (4): How often do you see this defense get pushed around like they did last night? Answer: not very.

7. Ravens (9-4) (9): Ravens are in the hunt in the AFC North, but we see Ray Lewis, Joe Flacco & Co. as a wild card team. ‘Specially if they lose at home to the Stillers this weekend.

8. Falcons (8-5) (5): Matt Ryan can’t close the deal in N’Awlins.

9. Patriots (8-5) (11): Huge day for Wes Welker as the receiver keys New England’s comeback in Seattle to insure three-way tie atop AFC East.

10. Dolphins (8-5) (14): The classic example of a well-coached team that doesn’t beat itself.

11. Cowboys (8-5) (10): Tony Romo is still a young quarterback, but he is putting together a series of late-season clunkers that can’t be ignored. Latest example: Sunday in Pittsburgh with a pick-six in the final moments against the Stillers.

12. Vikings (8-5) (12): In a word: whew! Vikes get past upset-minded Lions on the road.

13. Cardinals (8-5) (13): Kurt Warner beats his old Rams team to clinch a rare divisional title for the Cards.

14. Jets (8-5) (7): How many more ways can they break the fans’ hearts? After mega-wins at New England and Tennessee, losses to Denver and San Francisco bring them back to earth with a thud.

15. Iggles (7-5-1) (18): As long as Brian Westbrook is in the lineup, the Iggles have a chance. Massive win against defending champs on the road keeps their slim playoff hopes alive.

16. Broncos (8-5) (15): Looked like the Broncos were gonna lose against to an awful divisional opponent at home. Then Jay Cutler and the Broncos’ D saved the day against the Chiefs.

17. Saints (8-6) (17): Season-saving win over the Falcons.

18. Bears (7-6) (19): Bears manhandle woeful Jags to keep pace in what figures to be a down-to-the-wire race in the NFC North.

19. Texans (6-7) (22): It’s too little too late, but at least the Texans are showing something down the stretch.

20. 49ers (5-8) (23): Ever since Mike Singletary realized dropping his pants wasn’t the best way to win his players’ hearts, the 49ers have played some solid ball. Latest evidence: upset win over the Jets on Sunday.

21. Bills (6-7) (20): Nice way to export the NFL. Bills look completely inept in “home” game in Toronto against Dolphins.

22. Redskins (7-6) (16): They’re at Cincinnati, but they’re still no lock. They’re just awful.

23. Chargers (5-8) (26): Bolts thrash Raiders at home in 3-D on NFL Network. Whoop-de-do.

24. Packers (5-8) (21): How do you give up more than 500 yards … at home … to the Texans?

25. Jaguars (4-9) (24): Put Jack Del Rio at the head of the 2009 class of Coaches on the Hot Seat.

26. Browns (4-9) (25): Even Marty Schottenheimer is poo-pooing a return to Cleveland. Then again, he’s not offering a flat-out “no.”

27. Seahawks (2-11) (27): About the only good thing you can say about this team: They still play hard. Always the loser’s lament.

28. Chiefs (2-11) (28): See comment above.

29. Raiders (3-10) (29): The three words in the NFL that ring hollow: Pride and poise.

30. Bengals (1-11-1) (30): Well, at least Carson Palmer might not need elbow surgery.

31. Rams (2-11) (31): Did this team really beat the Redskins and Cowboys?

32. Lions (0-13) (32): Before Sunday’s game against the Vikings, head coach Rod Marinelli showed his players the team picture and asked if they wanted to see this in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, representative of the league’s first-ever 0-16 team. Even that didn’t work, as Lions blow a lead against the Vikings in what have been their last best chance to win.

Source: Newsday

GAME INFO
Teams: Cleveland Browns Vs. Tennessee Titans
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2008
Time: 1:00 P.M. EST
Venue: LP Field, Nashville, Tenn
TV: CBS

SPREAD
Tennessee Titans ( -10 1/2 ) Under/Over (37 1/2)
The spread has actually shrunk from 14 points to 10 1/2

TEAM STATS
The Cleveland Browns are 4-8 this year. They are 3-2 on the road, 1-3 in the AFC North and 3-6 in their conference. They have score only 213 points while giving up 247.

The Tennessee Titans are 11-1. They are 5-1 at home, 4-0 in the AFC South and 7-1 in their conference. They are in first place in the AFC. The Tians have scored 304 points while giving up only 175.

PREVIEW
This is a contest that clearly looks to be lopsided and unless the Titans shoot themselves in the foot, it will be tough for the Browns to come up with a victory. The Browns did play well defensively in last week’s loss and could make it a game, if the Titans don’t play at a high level. But with so many critical injures — QB Brady Quinn, QB Derek Anderson and TE Kellen Winslow — Tennessee could dominate this contest. Look for Cleveland to play hard and the Browns’ coaching staff will be creative in developing its game plan, including a Wildcat-type philosophy.

KEY INJURIES
The Cleveland Browns are without their two starting quarterbacks Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson. TE phenon Kellen Wiislow is also out. It looks like the Titans could dominate this contest.

MORE INFO
The Tennessee Titans completed a late run to the playoffs last year with a victory in the final game of the NFL regular season. This season, the Titans don’t have to wait until the last minute to make plans for January. Tennessee can wrap up its first division title since 2002 on Sunday when it hosts Cleveland, the team it beat out for the AFC’s final wild card berth a year ago. The Browns and Titans were both 9-6 heading into Week 17 last season.

PREDICTION
Tennessee Titans in a blowout. 31-6
Cleveland is out of the playoff race and are going with an untested quarterback. The Titans can wrap up the Division title with a win on Sunday.