NFL power rankings: Vikings, Eagles fight for top spot

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 17: Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) ,Minnesota Vikings cornerback Terence Newman (23), and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) take a breather during a NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.The Vikings defeated the Bengals 34-7.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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5. Jacksonville Jaguars

Coming off an incredible 2017 postseason run, the Jacksonville Jaguars have established themselves as one of the AFC’s top teams and have acted like it this offseason. Blake Bortles’ extension comes off as an awful move on the surface but it’s cap friendly past the 2019 season. The Jaguars really had no choice after reaching the AFC championship. The extension was combated by a number of free agent moves, adding a wealth of talent to an already stacked roster.

As expected, the front office focused heavily on improving the offense in free agency. Andrew Norwell was the marquee signing and the first-team All-Pro is an anchor up front next to Cam Robinson. Marqise Lee was slightly overpaid but it was crucial to re-sign him after letting Allen Robinson go. His continued development will be huge for Bortles’ success in the passing attack. Austin Seferian-Jenkins also gives Bortles a go-to threat at tight end that the Jaguars haven’t had since the early days of Mercedes Lewis.

The defense will always be the primary identity for the Jaguars but continuing to add pieces to the offense makes the Jaguars one step closer to becoming a complete team. Aside from Paul Posluszny’s retirement, the entire starting defense returns for one more season. It’s a reckless unit set to wreak havoc on the AFC once again.

Don’t be surprised to see the Jaguars make a deep postseason run again in 2018. They’re for real if you didn’t know already.

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