The Tennessee Titans fell to the Houston Texans on Sunday in a 16-13 game that should have been a Titans’ victory if not for the incessant false starts. Instead, the Titans had to settle for field goals more than once because of self-inflicted wounds, and Houston completed the season sweep of their division rival.

Despite the loss, if you watched the game, you saw the improvement. Jeffery Simmons and Arden Key returning to the field gave the defense a huge boost. Unfortunately, the loss of Calvin Ridley for the season means that the Titans’ offense is likely to struggle for the remainder of the season, unless Elic Ayomanor or Chimere Dike prove that they can step in and take his place.

As we enter Week 12, here’s a look at where the Titans place in a multitude of power rankings.

Nate Davis, USA TODAY: 32 (NC)

With seven weeks go to, they’re one of two teams (Giants) to already clinch a losing record, and the only one already eliminated from divisional championship consideration.

The Titans didn’t deserve to win — they got outgained at home 315-229 while facing a backup quarterback — but they had a shot at it. Cam Ward made some big plays. For a team that is having an all-time awful season, a last-second loss is real progress.

Diante Lee, The Ringer: 29 (NC)

The amount of NFL head coaching jobs that’ll open up after this season is still unknown, and tha twill make Tennessee’s ongoing hunt for its next leader a fascinating one. There aren’t many hot, young coordinators outside of Seattle’s Klint Kubiak, Buffalo’s Joe Brady, or Los Angeles’ Jesse Minter – and Iw ouldn’t totally begrudge Tennessee if it were nervous about hiring another unproven, first-time head coach after its miss on Brian Callahan.

Retread options are available, and Washington’s Kliff Kingsbury is probably the best scheme/developmental fit for rookie quarterback Cam Ward. But if not him, you’r emore than likely bringing in a defensive mind, and that would make me nervous for Titans fans.

The Titans showed a little more defensive fight against the shorthanded Texans and Cam Ward also dug deep late after the bye. But the result was familiar. A second win will come as a spoiler soon.

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 32 (NC)

The offense just doesn’t do enough. And now receiver Calvin Ridley is lost for the season. Ouch.

Here’s a great note to close out the Power Rankings from my friend, Titans fan, producer supreme and Music City Audible host Justin Graver on the way we’ve stripped nuance from the Cam Ward experience altogether:

Why did this team fire Mike Vrabel again? It is 4-22 since it did.

Barry Werner, List Wire: 32 (-1)

Horrible offense. Feel bad for the defense. At least they can get another high draft pick.

The Titans, thanks to their cover against the Texans, are now 6-24 against the spread since Week 1 of last year. It’s truly remarkable how awful they’ve been.

NFL Nation, ESPN: 32 (NC)

Okonkwo is in the final season of his rookie contract, so the play he puts on film is in essence an audition for the Titans and every other team. He is the last player remaining from the Titans’ 2022 draft class and has expressed interest in remaining in Tennessee, but he understands it’s a business and anything can happen. The fourth-year tight end has established chemistry with rookie quarterback Cam Ward, as shown by their 39-yard connection to set up a tying touchdown Sunday. A good performance down the stretch will help Okonkwo’s case for a new contract.