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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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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 13: Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Melvin Ingram (54) and outside linebacker Jatavis Brown (57) after a sack with 3:30 left in the fourth quarter of an NFL game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs on December 13, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 13: Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Melvin Ingram (54) and outside linebacker Jatavis Brown (57) after a sack with 3:30 left in the fourth quarter of an NFL game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs on December 13, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

7. Los Angeles Chargers (13-5)

2nd Place, AFC West

Reached AFC Divisional Playoffs

Season Review: Although Anthony Lynn’s team was pushed around by the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoffs, it was still a very successful season for a franchise that made its first postseason appearance since 2013. The team was able to overcome key absences all season, from defensive end Joey Bosa to running back Melvin Gordon. The club won 12 games and also snapped a nine-game losing streak to the rival Chiefs during the season. Resilient quarterback Philip Rivers continued to lead the way. But he didn’t play his best football down the stretch and was far from sharp in the playoff loss at Foxborough.

2018 Turning Point: The Bolts were in Pittsburgh for a Sunday night tilt with the Steelers and fell behind 23-7 by intermission. But the Chargers came all the way back for a scintillating 33-30 triumph at Heinz Field. A huge 29-28 Thursday night win at Arrowhead Stadium would follow less than two weeks later.

2019 Priorities: The club would likely want to re-sign potential free agent wide receiver Tyrell Williams. One-time first-round cornerback Jason Verrett, who missed the entire 2018 season, could also be allowed to test the market. The team could also look to the future in terms of Rivers’ eventual successor.

Next: No. 6

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