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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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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott (4) yells out the presnap signals during the NFC East game between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins on December 29, 2019 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott (4) yells out the presnap signals during the NFC East game between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins on December 29, 2019 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

16. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)

2nd Place, NFC East

Season Review: A talented club got off to a solid 3-0 start and led by quarterback Dak Prescott put up impressive numbers. But the real criticism of Jason Garrett’s team had to do with the Cowboys’ caliber of competition. Nonetheless, this was an offense that looked much better than it had in previous years and the real issues had to do with the defensive side of the football. All told, a promising unit from a year ago disappointed on too many occasions. Throw in some perplexing play-calling late in the year and the club dropped eight of its last 13 contests and failed to defend its NFC East title and Garrett’s tenure would end.

2019 Turning Point: Off a frustrating 12-10 Sunday night loss at New Orleans in which they did not allow a touchdown, Packers’ running back Aaron Jones had his way vs. the Dallas defense. A 34-24 home setback to Green Bay in Week 5 was the second of three consecutive losses and a 5-8 finish after a 3-0 start.

2020 Priorities: For the third time in six years, the team followed up an NFC East title by missing the playoffs. New head coach Mike McCarthy sat out 2018 after spending 12-plus seasons with the Packers and has a Super Bowl title. But will the team get Prescott re-signed before the start of free agency?

15. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)

2nd Place, NFC South

Season Review: The team got off to an extremely rough start. After splitting their first two contests, the Falcons embarked on a six-game losing streak. Veteran quarterback Matt Ryan had his issues with ball security, turning over the ball 19 times – including throwing twice as many interceptions (14) as he did a season ago (7). Devonta Freeman led the team with 656 yards on the ground but only the Dolphins and Jets ran for fewer yards in 2019. It was another big year for prolific wideout Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley continued to find the end zone. But the defense continues to disappoint and allowed 41 offensive TDs.

2019 Turning Point: Quinn’s club entered the off week with a six-game losing streak and prepared to play five straight games vs. NFC South rivals. The first stop was New Orleans (Week 10) and the Falcons came up with a 26-9 victory over the Saints. After a 1-7 start, Atlanta would win six of its final eight contests.

2020 Priorities: The Falcons are promoting Raheem Morris to defensive coordinator. The club has some free-agent questions that need answering – in particular defensive end Vic Beasley and unsung tight and Austin Hooper. Last year, the team addressed the offensive line in the draft and may have to do so again.

Next: Nos. 14 and 13

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