2020 NFL power rankings: Chiefs, Ravens are the favorites

28. NFL Power Rankings: Carolina Panthers

This ranking may not be truly indicative of Carolina’s talent level since there are a lot of good pieces on this team. Running back Christian McCaffrey was a dominant force last season and an exclusively defensive draft should help improve a unit that was not great a year ago.

New head coach Matt Rhule has a challenge on his hands replacing Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly, two of the most iconic players in franchise history. It won’t be any easier playing in one of the roughest divisions in football, which will depress the Panthers’ ceiling significantly. Don’t be shocked if Carolina ends up with five wins or fewer this season.

27. NFL Power Rankings: Miami Dolphins

This team began 2019 as the worst in football and finished the year with an upset of the Patriots at Gillette Stadium that clearly altered the NFL’s playoffs. A lot of credit goes to head coach Brian Flores, who did a good job getting a club that didn’t have a ton of top-end talent to buy in and play competitive football in the second half.

Miami spent a ton of money in free agency, adding top defenders like Byron Jones and Kyle Van Noy along with running back Jordan Howard, center Ted Karras and guard Ereck Flowers. The fan base will be clamoring to see Tua Tagovailoa take the field, but don’t be shocked if the Dolphins give him a redshirt year. Ryan Fitzpatrick will keep the Dolphins competitive but they are likely another year away from the postseason.