2019 NFL power rankings; Patriots back on top…again

Preview: A promising 6-2 start a year ago had the franchise in position to post consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. But quarterback Cam Newton would bang up his shoulder and the other side of the ball couldn’t bail out Ron Rivera’s club. The Panthers spent the offseason bolstering their defensive front with the additions of veteran tackle Gerald McCoy and rookie edge-rusher Brian Burns. Carolina is looking for another big year from two-year running back Christian McCaffrey, who finished third in the NFL in total yards from scrimmage in ’18. Tight end Greg Olsen hopes to stay healthy and new center Matt Paradis anchors a revamped front.

Next Week: Rivera’s squad plays host to the defending conference champion as the Panthers host the Rams for the first time since 2013. The one-time NFC West rivals meet for just the eighth time dating back to the clubs’ double overtime playoff clash at St. Louis in 2003, with Carolina prevailing in six of the previous seven encounters.

Playoff hopes: While Carolina’s defense is in position to rebound after a disappointing 2018, there appear to be a few question marks on the other side of the ball. How healthy is Newton – who figures to be better in the second year under Norv Turner. Does he have enough support around him in terms of weapons and the offensive line?

Preview: At 4-5 and with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco headed to the sidelines, head coach John Harbaugh turned to rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson, a relentless ground game and what proved to be the NFL’s top-ranked defense to bail out his team last season. The results were a 6-1 finish and the Ravens’ first AFC North title since 2012. Now the offense adds running back Mark Ingram in a revamped system now under the guidance of offensive coordinator Greg Roman. On defense, gone are linebackers Terrell Suggs, Za’Darius Smith and C.J. Mosley, as well as safety Eric Weddle. Coordinator Don Martindale has his work cut out for him this seasons.

Next Week: The Ravens head to South Florida to take on the rebuilding Dolphins. It’s a series that’s been dominated by Baltimore since Harbaugh was hired by the franchise. Dating back to 2008 and including a wild card playoff win that year, the Ravens own a 7-1 record vs. the ‘Fins – including a 4-1 road mark over that span.

Playoff hopes: It will be very interesting to see how the Ravens’ offense evolves as the season wears on. But the bigger questions for the defending AFC North champions may be on the defense, where the team saw much of its pass rush leave via free agency. Can Harbaugh’s team find a way to slow down the Browns and Steelers in 2019?

Next: Nos. 16 and 15