NFL power rankings: Chiefs, Saints lead way into 2020
. . New England Patriots. 10. team. 47.
2020 Key Additions: The first big move that head coach Bill Belichick made this offseason was bringing back quarterback Brian Hoyer for his third stint with the organization. That should make things a little easier for Jarrett Stidham, who actually beat out the veteran for the backup job last year. The Patriots recently added former Jaguars’ wide receiver Marqise Lee to an offense in dire need of weapons. On defense, the club added interior performer Beau Allen and safeties Adrian Phillips and Cody Davis. And the club’s 10 draft choices included three linebackers and offensive linemen and a pair of tight ends.
Offseason Review: It appears there was a change at the starting quarterback position this offseason. All humor aside, Tom Brady moved on after 20 years with the franchise and he wasn’t the only veteran Patriots’ player to take the free-agent route out of Foxborough. Linebackers Jamie Collins, Kyle Van Noy and Landon Roberts also left, while safety Duron Harmon was traded to the Lions and veteran kicker Stephen Gostkowski was released by the team. It’s hard to argue with this team’s success, regardless of Belichick’s methods. But his could be his most challenging year since he inherited the job back in 2000.
16. . . . Buffalo Bills. 9. team
2020 Key Additions: Last offseason, general manager Brandon Beane did an excellent job of rebuilding the offensive line. This year, the club has focused more on defense during free agency and much of that in former Panthers’ such as cornerback Josh Norman, defensive tackle Vernon Butler, end Mario Addison and tackle Daryl Williams – all in Carolina when Sean McDermott was the team’s defensive coordinator. The team’s biggest move was giving up a slew of draft choices for Vikings’ big-play wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Of the team’s seven draft picks, the most eye-opening was quarterback Jake Fromm (5-Georgia).
Offseason Review: There’s been some major changes when it comes to the big dog in the AFC East and could this be the time that the Bills seize the moment? This club has not won a division title or playoff game since 1995, when the division housed five clubs and one of them was the Indianapolis Colts. McDermott has led Buffalo to the postseason two of the past three years and these last two offseasons Beane and the organization has refurbished the roster in a big way. Of course, the Jets and Dolphins also looked like improved teams as well. But the Bills have to feel good about the progress they have made.