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2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

By Russell S. Baxter

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Anquan Boldin (80) runs after a catch against Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Jake Ryan (47) and strong safety Morgan Burnett (42) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Anquan Boldin (80) runs after a catch against Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Jake Ryan (47) and strong safety Morgan Burnett (42) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
14

Detroit Lions 9-7

Last week: 2nd, NFC North
Last rank: 14th

Looking Back: Head coach Jim Caldwell led the Lions to the playoffs for the second time in three years. But this was a team that slumped down the stretch. A 9-4 start was followed by a season-ending three-game losing streak that saw the Green Bay Packers rally to win the NFC North. And the Detroit offense was quiet in a 26-6 wild card loss to the Seahawks in Seattle.

Looking Forward: Mathew Stafford came into his own as a complete quarterback and leader in 2016. But a late-season figure injury limited his effectiveness down the stretch. Still, the Lions have a solid season to build off of and if they shore up a few areas, they should once again contend in the division. Veteran wide receiver Anquan Boldin led the team with eight touchdown receptions but he has 14 years under his belt. But Caldwell, Stafford and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter still have plenty of options at the position with Golden Tate, Marvin Jones and Andre Robert if Boldin doesn’t return.

Offseason needs: Be it injuries or just a lack of talent, the absence of a running game in the Motor City these past three seasons has been unnerving and made life a lot harder on Stafford then it has to be. Having Ameer Abdullah healthy in 2017 would be huge but general manager Bob Quinn may want to invest a pick or two on the position just in case. Theo Riddick wound up leading the team with 357 yards on the ground and Zach Zenner (334) ran hard when given the chance. But this is an area that must be addressed and that also starts with decisions on potential free-agent blockers in Riley Reiff and Larry Warford.

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