Niner Noise
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NFL power rankings to kick off the Wild Card round of the playoffs

ByPeter Panacy|
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 31: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs upfield for a 96 yard kickoff return touchdown in the third quarter during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on December 31, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 31: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs upfield for a 96 yard kickoff return touchdown in the third quarter during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on December 31, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
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FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 31: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots huddles with teammates during the second half against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 31: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots huddles with teammates during the second half against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The Patriots’ official 2017 season starts now, as they’ve clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and will be a tough challenge for anyone else in the conference.

Including the Steelers.

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Quarterback Tom Brady’s arm hasn’t looked solid the last couple of weeks, but all that goes out the window in the postseason. And as long as tight end Rob Gronkowski remains healthy, the Pats offense is more than dangerous.

And it’s multi-dimensional now too, especially with running back Dion Lewis starting to emerge as a serious weapon.

Next: 3 reasons why the 49ers make the playoffs in 2018

The Patriots always appear to be at their best in the playoffs, and they’re an easy choice for No. 1 in our postseason-kickoff NFL power rankings.