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NFL Power Rankings: Colts fall, Steelers rise, Redskins stagnate

By Jacob Camenker

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 01: The NFL shield logo is seen following a press conference held by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (not pictured) at the George R. Brown Convention Center on February 1, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 01: The NFL shield logo is seen following a press conference held by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (not pictured) at the George R. Brown Convention Center on February 1, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 22: Jalen Ramsey #20 of the Jacksonville Jaguars enters the field before the start of a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 22: Jalen Ramsey #20 of the Jacksonville Jaguars enters the field before the start of a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

Fringe Playoff Contenders

These teams could easily make the playoffs and go on a run, but there are some questions surrounding them that have them teetering on the brink of the postseason.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars – Previously 20. The Jaguars are arguably the strongest team in the league’s weakest division. They have an elite defense that added No. 7 overall pick Josh Allen to help off the edge and they upgraded the quarterback position with Nick Foles. If Foles and Leonard Fournette can make the offense efficient at the very least, the Jaguars could surprise some. After all, it wasn’t long ago that this team got to the AFC Championship game with Blake Bortles at the helm. Foles should be better than him and he gives the Jags significant upside.

14. Los Angeles Chargers – Previously 8. I was high on the Chargers just a month ago, but they have had a lot of issues crop up. Melvin Gordon doesn’t seem likely to report to the team any time soon while Derwin James is dealing with a foot injury and will miss some time. But worst of all, left tackle Russell Okung is going to miss at least six weeks as he recovers from a pulmonary embolism. So, the Chargers are a bit shorthanded.

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The Chargers still have a strong defense and Philip Rivers may be able to carry the offense to the playoffs. But certainly, things aren’t looking as good as they were a month ago.

15. Baltimore Ravens – Previously 16. The Ravens made the playoffs last year, but can they do it again? If they want to, Lamar Jackson will need to improve as a passer and stay healthy to keep the offense going. They should have a good run game either way.

The bigger concern is the defense, which lost key contributors at every level (namely Eric Weddle, C.J. Mosley, Terrell Suggs, and Za’Darius Smith). They did well to replace some (Earl Thomas for Weddle) and not so well with others (former Redskins pass rusher Pernell McPhee for Suggs). If Don “Wink” Martindale can’t get that unit to play well, the Ravens may have trouble reaching their ceiling.

16. Cleveland Browns – Previously 14. This may seem low for the Browns, who have a lot of talent. However, I’m wondering how Freddie Kitchens will do in his first year as head coach. There may be some growing pains in Cleveland and they have a lot of personalities on the team between Baker Mayfield, Odell Beckham Jr., and Sheldon Richardson. Also, the offensive line is a big question mark as outside of center and left guard, they aren’t particularly strong. The Browns could end up being similar to the “Dream Team” Eagles — they have talent, but they may need time to mesh before they can have a chance to win.

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