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NFL power rankings: 2020 edition – Super Bowl champion Chiefs at No. 1, 49ers, Ravens in hot pursuit

By Russell S. Baxter

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs talks with Patrick Mahomes #15 against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs talks with Patrick Mahomes #15 against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Bill O'Brien, Houston Texans
Bill O’Brien, Houston Texans. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

10. Houston Texans (11-7)

1st Place, AFC South

Reached AFC Divisional Playoffs

Season Review: The season got off to a rocky start albeit the team played an exciting game at New Orleans before succumbing in the final seconds. And early on, an offensive line that proved to be the detriment of Bill O’Brien’s team in 2018 didn’t look much better. But that unit eventually settled in and quarterback Deshaun Watson came up big once again. He got a lot of help from the 1-2 running back punch of Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson – both acquired via trades. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was huge as usual. But Houston’s defense had major issues and was abused in the playoff loss to the Chiefs.

2019 Turning Point: After a tough Monday night loss in Week 1 at New Orleans, the Texans spent the rest of the season winning two contests and dropping the next and repeated that pattern the remainder of 2019. One of those losses was a stunning 41-7 loss at Baltimore (Week 11) that showed the club’s issues.

2020 Priorities: The Texans have their share of potential unrestricted free agents to make decisions on – including Hyde and cornerback Bradley Roby – and recently, O’Brien was officially given the general manager title. Meanwhile, Anthony Weaver takes over for veteran defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.

9. New England Patriots (12-5)

1st Place, AFC East

Reached AFC Wild Card Playoffs

Season Review: The reigning Super Bowl champions and league’s current dynasty got off to a strong start led primarily by a ball-hawking defense that put up astonishing numbers the first eight games of the season. But little cracks began to develop when it came to building Belichick’s stoppers. And a club built primarily on the back end struggled in the second half of the season. It was a solid but very unspectacular year for quarterback Tom Brady, who suffered at times from a lack of a supporting cast and disappointing offensive play. And the Pats looked like a shot fighter by December and went quietly in the playoffs.

2019 Turning Point: The Patriots had lost only three games heading into a Week 17 showdown with the visiting Dolphins. A win would give Belichick’s team the second seed in the AFC playoffs. But the club was stunned, 27-24, and six days later the defending champions went quietly in a wild card loss to the Titans.

2020 Priorities: Will Brady test free agency for the first time? There’s been a ton of speculation and figures to be for months. Belichick has some work to do in terms of his coaching staff. Assistant Joe Judge is now the new boss of the Giants and offensive line legend Dante Scarnecchia opted for retirement again.

Next: Nos. 8 and 7

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