Fansided

2019 NFL power rankings; Patriots back on top…again

By Russell S. Baxter

FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 22: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) on the sideline during a preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers on August 22, 2019, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 22: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) on the sideline during a preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers on August 22, 2019, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 24: J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans during a NFL preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 24: J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans during a NFL preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

10. . 0-0. Previous: . Houston Texans. 14. team

Preview: Talk about last-minute deals? The team made the offensive line and secondary offseason priorities. They used a pair of early draft choices in April to address the former and free agency to fix the latter. But just over a week before the season opener against the Saints, the team acquired running back Carlos Hyde from the Chiefs and both left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wideout Kenny Stills from the Dolphins. All those moves help quarterback Deshaun Watson in a big way as the addition of Hyde takes the sting out of losing Lamar Miller for the season. If the pass blocking can hold up, the third-year has a lot of big-play weapons – led by superstar DeAndre Hopkins.

Next Week: The team’s new-look offense will make its season debut against one of the more potent attacks in the league at the Superdome. It’s just the fifth regular-season meeting between the Texans and New Orleans Saints, who have split their previous four encounters. It’s the front end of the league’s Monday night doubleheader.

Playoff hopes: Bill O’Brien has to be feeling better about his offense these days, especially if the pieces gel quickly. And the addition of Tunsil is a big plus. Of course, Houston has moved on from Jadeveon Clowney, who was traded to Seattle. The Texans are the reigning AFC South champions and the newcomers may make the frontrunner again.

0-0. Previous: . Minnesota Vikings. 13. team. 60.

Preview: Off a 13-3 showing and an NFC title game appearance, Mike Zimmer’s team was in the Super Bowl LIII conversation entering 2018. Expectations rose when the team signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a lucrative contract. But the Vikings were a rollercoaster all season as the club’s heralded defense struggled early on and Minnesota’s offensive line had problems all year. Running back Dalvin Cook continues to struggle when it comes to stay healthy but on the plus side, wide receivers Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs enjoyed monster years. The team’s potent pass rush is now keyed by end Danielle Hunter, who racked up 14.5 of the team’s 50 sacks.

Next Week: Zimmer’s gang hosts Atlanta and the Vikings look to continue their recent dominance in the series. The teams last met in 2017 and Minnesota came away with a 14-9 victory at Atlanta. Dating back to 2014, the Purple Gang has won three straight in this setting – including a 41-28 win in ’14 when they last hosted the Falcons.

Playoff hopes: It would be an uneven season for the Purple Gang in 2018. But GM Rick Spielman restocked the club via youth and the defense should pick up where it left off last year after a shaky start. Keeping Cousins upright and having him cut down on the mistakes would be huge. The Vikings are very capable of winning the NFC North.

Next: Nos. 12 and 11