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NFL power rankings: 2019 edition – Patriots finish on top, again

By Russell S. Baxter

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots and teammate Tom Brady #12 celebrate at the end of the Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The New England Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots and teammate Tom Brady #12 celebrate at the end of the Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The New England Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 23: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 31-9. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 23: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 31-9. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The NFL season ends with the New England Patriots defeating the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII. Hence the final edition of the 2018 Power Rankings.

With Sunday’s 13-3 victory in Super Bowl LIII, the New England Patriots captured their sixth Lombardi Trophy and also became the first team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins to win the Super Bowl one year after losing it.

It also means it’s a total wrap on the NFL’s 99th season. Hence the final NFL Power Rankings for 2018, with a minor look ahead to what should be a fascinating ‘19.

Note: Win-loss records include playoffs.

32. Arizona Cardinals (3-13)

4th Place, NFC West

Season Review: The Cardinals were the first team since the 1977 Tampa Bay Buccaneers to finish dead last in the league in total yards gained, rushing yardage and passing yards. The club managed only 24 offensive touchdowns and scored an NFL-low 225 points. Rookie quarterback Josh Rosen showed his mettle but took a beating. Running back David Johnson totaled a quiet 10 TDs, while Larry Fitzgerald led the club with 69 grabs – six for scores. Chandler Jones had another outstanding season and led the club with 13 sacks. But first-year head coach Steve Wilks was let go after a three-win season.

2018 Turning Point: When you win only three games all season (2 vs. the 49ers), pinning down when things went wrong is a little difficult. But in Week 7, there was an embarrassing Thursday night home loss to the Denver Broncos (45-10) that cost offensive coordinator Mike McCoy his job.

2019 Priorities: New sideline leader Kliff Kingsbury must bring some creativity to the league’s worst offense in ‘18. It’s a big challenge for the first-time NFL sideline leader. Fitzgerald will be back for a 16th season. Getting defensive end/outside linebacker Markus Golden re-signed would be a good move.

Next: No. 31

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