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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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 24: New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs after the catch during the first quarter of the Preseason National Football League game between the New Orleans Saints and the New York Jets on August 24, 2019 at MaeLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

New Orleans Saints. 2. team. 15. . 0-0. Previous:

Preview: One of the big questions surrounding the reigning NFC South champions is whether the team can shake off consecutive stunning postseason losses. But Sean Payton’s club should be up to the task. The Saints can beat opponents numerous ways these days, thanks to a solid offensive front, one of the best running games in the league and a passing attack keyed by ageless Drew Brees and wide receiver Michael Thomas. The prolific signal-caller now has a new friend in Pro Bowl tight end Jared Cook. New Orleans’ defensive line, now deeper than it was a season ago, has become one of the best units in the business and can make an opponent one-dimensional.

Next Week: Payton’s club takes on the Houston Texans on Monday night at the Superdome in the front end of the traditional prime time doubleheader. The teams will clash for only the fifth time during the regular season. Both clubs have hosted a pair of games in this series and the home team has won each of the previous four meetings.

Playoff hopes: A third consecutive trip to the postseason would tie the franchise record, set by the team twice previously from 1990-92 and 2009-11. It’s hard to imagine this club not reaching the playoffs. The Saints are arguably the league’s most balanced team. But holding off the Falcons, Panthers and Buccaneers is never easy.

47. . 0-0. Previous: . New England Patriots. 1. team

Preview: Despite winning a third Super Bowl in five seasons, Bill Belichick’s squad had its flaws in ‘18. The Patriots’ defense was erratic at times but made the big plays when it counted most. And the team known for doing its job did just that in the postseason, playing power football in cooling off the Chargers, Chiefs and Rams and rolling up at least 150 yards rushing in each victory. Tom Brady once again got the job done and kudos to Dante Scarnecchia and the offensive line, which excelled all year. Look for more of the same from the running attack and Sony Michel. Meanwhile, there are question marks at tight end and center David Andrews’ 2019 season may be in doubt.

Next Week: The defending Super Bowl champions won’t be hosting the first game of 2019. Instead, the Patriots welcome the Steelers to Foxborough on Sunday night. Including playoffs and under Belichick, New England owns an 11-4 record in the series dating back to 2001 – despite last season’s 17-10 loss at Heinz Field in Week 15.

More fansided.com: Power ranking the NFL defenses for 2019

Playoff hopes: Belichick’s club has reached the playoffs an NFL-record 10 consecutive years. And the Patriots can become just the second franchise to reach the Super Bowl four straight years, matching that impressive feat by the Buffalo Bills from 1990-93. So can the Bills, Dolphins and/or Jets challenge this club for AFC East supremacy?