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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Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Friday, August 23, 2019 (Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Friday, August 23, 2019 (Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

. 0-0. Previous: . Detroit Lions. 24. team. 50

Preview: The Lions have not won a division title since 1993 and haven’t come away with a postseason win since ’91. But this could be a team to watch as head coach Matt Patricia begins his second year in the Motor City and Darrell Bevell is now calling the shots on offense. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and the team has lacked a consistent ground attack for years. If second-year running back Kerryon Johnson can stay healthy, he could have a big year in a new system. On defense, general manager Bob Quinn inked former Patriots’ defensive end Trey Flowers to a big contract. And a better pass rush could lead to the team improving on only 14 takeaways in 2018.

Next Week: Patricia’s club heads to the desert for the second consecutive year as the Lions and Cardinals renew acquaintances for the seventh time in eight seasons dating back to 2012. A year ago at Arizona, Detroit came up with an ugly 17-3 win in Week 14. It was Detroit’s second straight win in the series after seven straight losses.

Playoff hopes: This was one of the league’s mystery teams a year ago, one good enough to push around the eventual Super Bowl champion Patriots but one unable to beat the Bears or Vikings. The NFC North may be the NFL’s best division and escaping its basement won’t be easy. But the Detroit defense could be the difference.

42. . 0-0. Previous: . San Francisco 49ers. 23. team

Preview: Kyle Shanahan’s club went through three different starting quarterbacks a year ago. And in 2019, the team is hoping Jimmy Garoppolo can remains upright throughout the vast majority of the season. That won’t be the case for running back Jerick McKinnon, who will miss his second straight season due to injury. Free-agent addition Tevin Coleman should fill the bill but there’s talent at the other skills spots, led by record-breaking tight end George Kittle. The team’s bigger issues have been on the other side of the ball despite a slew of first-round draft choices up front. It’s hard to fathom the Niners coming up with only two interceptions all season once again.

Next Week: For the second consecutive year, Shanahan’s team heads east to Raymond James Stadium. This past season, the Niners were rolled by host Buccaneers, 27-9, in Week 12. Of course, San Francisco went winless in their eight road games last season, the only team in the league that failed to win away from home in 2018.

Playoff hopes: This Niners’ team is short on talent, especially on the defensive front. And a healthy Garoppolo makes a huge difference. Shanhan showed a year ago he could move the ball and generate points with his system. Still, moving up in the NFC West will be a major challenge for a team that owns a 2-10 divisional record since 2017.

Next: Nos. 22 and 21