NFL Power Rankings: Top 10 Teams
After witnessing the confetti fall at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday night, two things became clear. First, if you give Kyle Shanahan a double-digit lead in the Super Bowl, he might forget that running the ball is still a strategy. Second, history will recognize the Kansas City Chiefs as the NFL’s top team in 2019. With multiple double-digit comebacks in each playoff game on their way to a title, they earned the crown.
While the players may take some time to celebrate, the Chiefs’ front office is undoubtedly already looking ahead. In the fast-moving world of the NFL, once Super Bowl LIV concluded, the focus shifted immediately toward Tampa and Super Bowl LV.
With the offseason in full swing, the NFL will experience a whirlwind of events before the season opener in Kansas City next September. There’s the NFL Scouting Combine, free agency, the 2020 draft, minicamps, OTAs, training camp, and the preseason. A lot will change in the coming weeks—after all, that’s the nature of the NFL.
In this rapidly evolving landscape, Bleacher Report’s NFL analysts Gary Davenport, Brad Gagnon, and Brent Sobleski have compiled their first set of offseason power rankings.
1. Kansas City Chiefs:
The Chiefs are riding high after their dominant Super Bowl LIV victory. Kansas City finished the season on a nine-game win streak, with Patrick Mahomes earning both a league MVP and a Super Bowl MVP in back-to-back seasons. The future looks bright as the Chiefs plan to retain their core of dynamic talent to defend their title in 2020.
2.San Francisco 49ers:
The 49ers’ defense played brilliantly for 53 minutes in Super Bowl LIV. Niners fans will likely focus on those final seven minutes of the fourth quarter, which saw a critical Tyreek Hill catch spark a shift in momentum. While the defense wasn’t solely to blame, Kyle Shanahan also had opportunities to seal the win in the game’s final moments.
3.Baltimore Ravens:
It’s still hard to wrap your head around the Ravens’ 2019 season—one that seemed destined for greatness after a 14-2 regular season—only to end with another early playoff exit. One of the biggest decisions for the offseason will revolve around defensive end Matt Judon, a free agent who could be a prime candidate for the franchise tag and a potential trade. Judon had a career-best season as Baltimore’s defense was in transition, and he’s the kind of player who could make a major impact, much like Dee Ford or Frank Clark did for other teams.
4.New Orleans Saints:
The Drew Brees era in New Orleans could be coming to a close. The 41-year-old quarterback mentioned last week that he’ll take “a month or so” to decide if he’ll return for a 20th season. This uncertainty has created a cloud of speculation in the Big Easy. However, with Brees still playing at a high level in 2019, setting a franchise-record passer rating despite missing games due to a thumb injury, it’s hard to imagine a better ending to an iconic career. The Saints will have to plan accordingly, whether Brees stays or calls it quits.
5.Green Bay Packers:
The Packers made a run at tight end Austin Hooper but were priced out. Now, Green Bay has the opportunity to enhance Aaron Rodgers’ receiving corps, especially with a receiver-rich draft ahead. It’s been since 2002 since the Packers took a receiver in the first round, but they could break that trend this year. Whether they go for a pass catcher or a defensive player at No. 30, they will have a chance to add an immediate impact player in Day 2 of the draft.
6.Seattle Seahawks:
What would Seattle’s record have been if Russell Wilson hadn’t been the quarterback in 2019? Likely a 5-11 finish, instead of the 11-5 mark they posted. Wilson was the team’s Superman, but now it’s up to GM John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll to build a more balanced team around their star quarterback. One glaring area of need is on the defensive line, as key players like Jadeveon Clowney and Jarran Reed are set to hit free agency. The Seahawks will need to address these holes to remain competitive in a tough NFC West.
7.Tennessee Titans:
Our advice to the Titans: Don’t overthink it! Both Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry are up for free agency, and while it might be tempting to hesitate, it’s wise to lock them in. Tannehill’s small sample size in Nashville and his past struggles with the Dolphins might raise concerns, but his recent form shows promise. As for Henry, he’s been the workhorse of the offense, and maintaining this dominant duo is crucial for the Titans to keep their momentum going into 2020.
8.Buffalo Bills:
Josh Allen’s disappointing playoff performance against the Texans shouldn’t overshadow his impressive second season. He made strides in nearly every area of his game, and the Bills are right to stay committed to him in his crucial third year. With a strong defense, a promising young running back in Devin Singletary, and an improved offensive line, the focus should now be on providing Allen with more weapons. GM Brandon Beane already made moves last year, but further strengthening the offense will be key.
9.New England Patriots:
The Patriots’ offseason has followed their usual pattern under Bill Belichick: more players leaving than joining. However, one major change stands out—quarterback Tom Brady’s departure to the Buccaneers. This shifts the entire dynamic for New England, as they now face a future without their long-time leader. The Patriots have always preached that every season is a fresh start, but with Brady gone, this will be a season of transition in Foxborough.
10.Houston Texans:
Replacing an All-Pro receiver like DeAndre Hopkins, who has been a key player since 2014, will be no easy task for the Texans. After trading him away on the first day of free agency, Houston is left to rely on Will Fuller and Kenny Stills, who, if healthy, can pick up some of Hopkins’ production. New addition Randall Cobb, a reliable slot receiver, should also help fill the void. The Texans’ offense will look different, but they’ll need these players to step up as they move forward.
These teams are facing pivotal decisions that will shape their 2020 seasons. Stay tuned for more updates as the offseason progresses!
