NFL power rankings, post free agency: Chiefs, Ravens loom

The Vikings lost a lot in the offseason through free agency and trade. The biggest loss is Stefon Diggs who played like a top-five receiver for much of last season, especially when Adam Thielen was out with injury. The team is positioned to find a receiver with one of their two first-round picks. However, the losses to the defense could see the Vikings fall out of playoff contention.

The Steelers might quietly be the best dark-horse contender in the league. Last year, Pittsburgh was 8-5 before Duck Hodges and Mason Rudolph finally took their collective toll. There’s reason not to believe in this group as a Super Bowl contender, depending on Ben Roethlisberger‘s health.

Mike Tomlin remains an elite coach, the defense is terrific and the weapons around Roethlisberger are solid. So much rides on the 38-year-old coming back and performing after elbow surgery.

The always well-coached Titans went on a magical run last season, knocking off the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots in the playoffs before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. Moving on from Marcus Mariota was the right decision but can we say the same thing about the team sticking with Ryan Tannehill at quarterback?

We’re about to find out.

The Bills have continued to build on what could be a championship-level core. Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane needs Josh Allen to step up in his third year,  but there was improvement from his rookie to sophomore campaign. Beane helped his quarterback by acquiring receiver Stefon Diggs, giving Buffalo an elite weapon.

Buffalo’s defense is already a top-five unit, making it the team to beat in the AFC East.