Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: Final post-Super Bowl LII standings around the league

By Peter Panacy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: The Philadelphia Eagles celebrated defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: The Philadelphia Eagles celebrated defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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JACKSONVILLE, FL – JANUARY 07: Head coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills looks on from the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at EverBank Field on January 7, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL – JANUARY 07: Head coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills looks on from the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at EverBank Field on January 7, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

team. 16. . . Previous: . Buffalo Bills. 20

The Buffalo Bills’ Wild Card loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars proved this team still has a long way to go to be a legitimate playoff contender.

And it’s a situation that could grow worse this offseason, especially if head coach Sean McDermott and Co. elect to part ways with quarterback Tyrod Taylor — a real likelihood.

Barring any moves, that would leave one-year pro Nathan Peterman the primary starter. And his regular-season numbers, in limited action, weren’t exactly great. In fact, they were downright awful.

McDermott has left his stamp on the defense, which is a good thing, and running back LeSean McCoy is still a force.

Perhaps the Bills will take a page out of Jacksonville’s playbook, solidifying their defense and staying a run-first team. That might give them a chance to remain contenders in the AFC East.

But the cost of the playoff push means the Bills won’t be drafting until the early 20s. At least they have back-to-back picks (Nos. 21 and 22), so that helps a bit.

Still, a drop-off season is likely on the table for Buffalo in 2018.