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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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FOXBOROUGH, MA – DECEMBER 29: DeVante Parker #11 of the Miami Dolphins runs the ball before being tackled by Stephon Gilmore #24 of the New England Patriots during a game at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – DECEMBER 29: DeVante Parker #11 of the Miami Dolphins runs the ball before being tackled by Stephon Gilmore #24 of the New England Patriots during a game at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

24. Miami Dolphins (5-11)

4th Place, AFC East

Season Review: It was a year that many believed the Dolphins were actually trying to throw away thanks to a slew of trades over the course of many months. But after dropping their first seven games, new head coach Brian Flores began to get his message across and the change in the team was evident. Veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was a big part of the team’s solid stretch run. Unfortunately, he was Miami’s top passer and also its leading rusher as the club averaged a league-worst 72.3 yards per game on the ground. And an undermanned defense had plenty of issues as the team allowed a NFL-high 494 points.

2019 Turning Point: Winless in their first seven games, the ‘Fins took on the visiting Jets in Week 9. A 26-18 win was the start of a stretch that saw Flores’ club finish 5-4 – including victories over the playoff-bound Eagles (Week 13) and the defending Super Bowl champion Patriots in Week 17 at Foxborough.

2020 Priorities: The ageless Fitzpatrick intends to return for the 2020 season. As has been well-publicized, the Dolphins have a slew of draft choices at their disposal in April – including five in the first two rounds. Cornerback Eric Rowe was the team’s second-leading tackler and his contract is set to expire in March.

23. Arizona Cardinals (5-10-1)

4th Place, NFC West

Season Review: One year after finishing dead last in the league in rushing, passing, total offense and points scored, the Cards made major strides thanks to new head coach cliff Kingsbury and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Kyler Murray. Give credit to running back Kenyan Drake, a midseason pick up from the Dolphins who led the team in rushing. Murray had a fine debut season and with one exception did a stellar job of protecting the football. On the downside was the Arizona defense, which despite a big year from pass-rusher Chandler Jones (19 sacks) allowed the second-most touchdown passes in the league.

2019 Turning Point: While the team’s first victory of the season – a last-second triumph at Cincinnati in Week 5 – launched a three-game winning streak. But it was actually a 27-13 triumph at Seattle in Week 16 over the playoff-bound Seahawks that showed how far Kingsbury’s club had come by season’s end.

2020 Priorities: Getting some defensive help is the team’s top goal – especially when it comes to finding performers who can cover running backs and tight ends – would be a major step forward. The good news is that Larry Fitzgerald is coming back. General manager Steve Keim needs to upgrade the offensive line.

Next: Nos. 22 and 21

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