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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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MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 02: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 02: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

2. San Francisco 49ers (15-4)

1st Place, NFC West

Lost Super Bowl 54

Season Review: It was an amazing year for a team that won only four games in 2018 and was swept by the 3-13 Arizona Cardinals. Led by a relentless defense, a power running game and a quarterback that saved his best for when he needed it most. NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Nick Bosa provided a spark for Robert Saleh’s unit while head coach Kyle Shanahan made the right calls on the other side of the ball. Underappreciated quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo got better via the addition of wideout Emanuel Sanders and he and tight end George Kittle were huge. Unfortunately, Super Sunday had a disappointing ending.

2019 Turning Point: The Niners were involved in a wild affair at the Superdome in Week 14 and watched Drew Brees drive his team late in the game to a one-point lead. But Garoppolo-to-Kittle was one of 2019’s signature plays and Robbie Gould’s 30-yard field goal at the gun gave San Francisco a 48-46 victory.

2020 Priorities: Sanders was a tremendous midseason acquisition via trade but now can test free agency. He’s one of many potential key performers that could hit the open market, such as defensive end Arik Armstead – who led San Francisco with a career-best 10 sacks – and defensive back Jimmie Ward.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-4)

1st Place, AFC West

Won Super Bowl 54

Season Review: In his 21st consecutive season as an NFL head coach, Andy Reid and his club delivered an NFL championship to the city of Kansas City for the first time since capturing Super Bowl IV in 1969. The Chiefs bounced back from a mediocre 6-4 start to win their final nine outings – scoring a combined 117 points in playoff wins over the Texans, Titans and 49ers. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes overcame a dislocated knee cap at midseason and once he got his rhythm back, he was the catalyst for three straight come-from-behind postseason wins. And the Kansas City defense improved as the season unfolded.

2019 Turning Point: Reid’s club got off to another strong start (4-0) but thanks in part to the same-old defensive issues and the absence of Mahomes for a few games the Chiefs would drop four of their next six contests. But a 24-17 Monday night win over the Chargers at Mexico City (Week 11) proved to be a spark.

More fansided.com: Super Bowl power rankings: Miami games from 10-1

2020 Priorities: The newly-crowned Super Bowl champions have plenty of veteran performers that could test free agency. But the club’s top priority has to be defensive tackle Chris Jones, who has been this unit’s best player the past few seasons. Would the organization be willing to use the franchise tag if needed?

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