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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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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Sony Michel #26 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Sony Michel #26 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

1. New England Patriots (14-5)

Won AFC East

Won Super Bowl LIII

Season Review: It was a somewhat-erratic year for Bill Belichick’s team, which had all kinds of issues on the road during the regular season (3-5). But the Patriots managed to make it to the Super Bowl for the ninth time in the last 18 seasons after all. Tom Brady was in command of a team that finished fourth in the NFL in points scored. Rookie running back Sony Michel brought some power to the Patriots’ ground attack. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy and All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore keyed the defense. And wide receiver Julian Edelman won Super Bowl LIII MVP honors in the club’s 13-3 victory over the Rams.

2018 Turning Point: Following a 17-10 loss at Pittsburgh in Week 15, the Pats just didn’t look like their usual reliable selves. It really took a dominating performance in the AFC Divisional Playoff against the Chargers to jumpstart the club. And the team played smashmouth football on the way to a title.

More fansided.com: Every NFL team’s best game ever played

2019 Priorities: Obviously, there are no questions surrounding Brady’s return in 2019 as the veteran passer has already made his intentions known. The Patriots’ most notable potential free agents include kicker Stephen Gostkowski, defensive end Trey Flowers and wide receiver Chris Hogan.

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