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2019 NFL Power Rankings: Dolphins stun Patriots

By Russell S. Baxter

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins looks to pass against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins looks to pass against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MA – DECEMBER 29: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots runs onto the field after a loss to the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – DECEMBER 29: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots runs onto the field after a loss to the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

. 12-4. Previous: . New England Patriots. 6. team. 47

Recap: The AFC East champions looked to complete their first sweep of the rival Dolphins since 2016 and also lock up the No. 2 seed in the conference. But the Patriots found themselves down early as a Miami field goal and a Tom Brady interception returned for a touchdown saw Bill Belichick’s club down 10-0 in the second quarter. And it was the New England defense that wound up having a rough outings as they allowed Miami to gain 389 total yards while failing to force a turnover. The Patriots’ secondary – in particular cornerback Stephon Gilmore – had a rough time with Dolphins’ wideout DeVante Parker. And New England allowed a 75-yard TD drive late in a stunning loss.

Postseason Preview: With all of the issues surrounding the team this season, it’s worth noting that the Patriots have a better record this season (12-4) than they did a year ago (11-5) when they went onto win Super Bowl LIII. The defending Super Bowl champions will host Mike Vrabel’s Tennessee Titans on Saturday at 8:15 p.m. ET.

Offseason Priorities: The speculation regarding the football future of Tom Brady – slated for free agency – is somewhat bewildering. As for some of the bigger names on the club’s potential UFA list, there’s linebacker Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins, special teams ace Matthew Slater, wideout Phillip Dorsett and safety Devin McCourty.

team. 49. . 13-3. Previous: . Green Bay Packers. 5

Recap: Six days after wrapping up the division title, the Packers were in the Motor City look complete a clean sweep of the NFC North. A victory over the Lions would not only give Matt LaFleur’s squad a first-round playoff bye but a loss by the 49ers on Sunday night at Seattle would make the Packers the top seed in the NFC. And Green Bay did its part although they made it difficult on themselves as they dug a 17-3 halftime hole. But Aaron Rodgers would warm up in the second half, although he did serve up an interception in the fourth quarter. The savvy signal-caller threw for 323 yards and two scores and Mason Crosby kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired.

Postseason Preview: The Packers are NFC North champions for the first time since 2016 and have a first-round bye in the playoffs for the first time since 2014. They will wrap up the league’s divisional playoff round on Sunday, 6:40 p.m. ET, when they take on the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles or Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field.

Offseason Priorities: There are a number of notable veterans that will see their contracts expire after the season. The list includes right tackle Bryan Bulaga, kicker Mason Crosby and 37-year-old defensive back Tramon Williams. More importantly, will general manager Brian Gutekunst be extremely aggressive in free agency once again?

Next: Nos. 4 and 3

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