NFL Power Ranking Preseason Edition: NFC only gets better

New England will return as one of the favorites to win Super Bowl 53, because as long as they have Tom Brady they’ll always be in the conversation. Despite turning 41 Brady can still play like a top-five quarterback and carry the Patriots offense.

There are legitimate concerns surrounding the offensive line after first round pick Isaiah Wynn tore his achillies in the preseason. We’ll see if Trent Brown can replace Nate Solder and if Marcus Cannon can cut back the five sacks he gave up last year.

New England doesn’t return a spectacular group of receivers outside of Rob Gronkowski, but they always get by. After losing Jordan Matthews and Malcolm Mitchell the Patriots starting receivers week one will be Chris Hogan and Kenny Britt while Julian Edelman serves a suspension.

I’m very interested in seeing how first round pick Sony Michel is used considering New England’s history of using running backs. It’s a crowded backfield with Michel, Rex Burkhead, James White, Jeremy Hill, and others.

On defense the Patriots upgraded with Adrian Clayborne and Danny Shelton, and return most of their secondary, minus Malcolm Butler. Eric Rowe is still a major question mark, but having Jason McCourty and drafting Duke Dawson could be the answer. I still think the cornerback position will haunt New England if Rowe is their starter.

New England should win the AFC East handily unless the Jets breakout under Sam Darnold. Jacksonville, who they face in week two, will once again be their biggest challenger for the AFC. Their schedule is also relatively easy travel wise with no major west coast trips that go beyond Tennessee and Detroit. Additionally, their only Thursday Night game is at home after a home game.