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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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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 23: Dallas Cowboys Linebackers Leighton Vander Esch (55) and Jaylon Smith (54) talk during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 23, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 23: Dallas Cowboys Linebackers Leighton Vander Esch (55) and Jaylon Smith (54) talk during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 23, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

9. Dallas Cowboys (11-7)

Won NFC East

Reached NFC Divisional Playoffs

Season Review: For the second time in three years, running back Ezekiel Elliott led the NFL in rushing yards. But the Dallas’ offense was still sporadic, even though the midseason addition of one-time Oakland Raiders’ wide receiver Amari Cooper was a huge plus. Quarterback Dak Prescott came up big on more than one occasion but also disappeared at times, as did the Cowboys’ attack in general. Jason Garrett’s defense was solid and linebackers Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch were standouts. But this unit was also pushed around by some of the league’s better offensive lines and could still use some help.

2018 Turning Point: Some may make the argument that the trade for Cooper was the pivotal moment. But look no further than a 27-20 Sunday night win at Philadelphia (Week 10), the start of a five-game winning streak and the first of two victories over the Birds as the team would capture the NFC East.

2019 Priorities: Less than one week after their playoff loss to the Rams, the team opted to part ways with offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and the Cowboys promoted Kellen Moore in the process. The club will look to get potential free agent defensive end Demarcus Lawrence under contract sooner than later.

Next: No. 8

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