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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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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 19: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball in the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 19: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball in the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

6. Tennessee Titans (11-8)

2nd Place, AFC South

Reached AFC Championship Game

Season Review: The club came into 2019 off three consecutive 9-7 campaigns. But only one of those seasons resulted in a playoff berth. So in Mike Vrabel’s second year at the helm of the Titans, the club got off to a rough start but rallied around quarterback Ryan Tannehill – in for a hobbled and an ineffective Marcus Mariota – and the realization of running back Derrick Henry had to take a bigger role. The latter wound up leading the NFL in rushing yards and Tennessee would not only clinch a wild card berth but parlayed their power ground attack into surprise wins over the Patriots and Ravens in the playoffs.

2019 Turning Point: Following a 2-4 start, Vrabel opted to make a change behind center and benched Mariota in favor of Tannehill for what proved to be the rest of the season. A wild 23-20 win over the visiting Chargers was the start of a 7-3 regular-season finish that sparked a strong postseason run.

2020 Priorities: The club has its share of prominent players who could test free agency. At the top of the list is Henry, who should command big money if GM Jon Robinson lets him test the market. And both Tannehill and fellow quarterback Marcus Mariota will see their contracts expire on March 18 as well.

5. Green Bay Packers (14-4)

1st Place, NFC North

Reached NFC Championship Game

Season Review: After winning a combined 13 games the previous two seasons combined, the Packers finished 13-3 in head coach Matt LaFleur’s debut season. A more balanced offense keyed the resurgence, as well as a trio of free agent additions on defense in outside linebackers Preston Smith and Za’Adrius Smith and safety Adrian Amos. But Mike Pettine’s defense could be had by some of the better offensive lines in the league. Aaron Rodgers was solid and running back Aaron Jones was invaluable. But including the playoffs, Green Bay allowed 239 points in 14 wins and a whopping 134 points in their four setbacks.

2019 Turning Point: The Packers took on the 49ers at San Francisco in Week 12 and wound up on the wrong end of a 37-8 Sunday night loss. Green Bay would reel off five straight regular-season wins and a playoff victory over Seattle. But the team appeared to have the life taken out of it by the powerful Niners.

2020 Priorities: In terms of bringing back veteran performers, tackling machine Blake Martinez is likely general manager Brian Gutekunst’s top priority. But the productive defender may want to see what’s out there in terms of offers. Kicker Mason Crosby and tackle Bryan Bulaga are also potential free agents.

Next: Nos. 4 and 3

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