Niner Noise
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NFL power rankings: 32-team post-preseason breakdown ahead of Week 1

By Peter Panacy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterbacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons and Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles meet after their game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterbacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons and Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles meet after their game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 13: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots reacts as Tom Brady #12 looks on before the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 13: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots reacts as Tom Brady #12 looks on before the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

. . Previous: . New England Patriots. 6. team. 47

Yes, the New England Patriots climb a spot, but that has more to do with the Jaguars suffering a setback than anything head coach Bill Belichick and Co. have done this preseason.

Besides, we know who the Patriots are anyway — a perennial Super Bowl contender, regardless of the context, as long as Belichick and future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady are at the forefront.

And forget any of the talk of power struggles, dysfunction or whatever. All that goes out the window when Brady and Belichick, two of the game’s biggest competitors, take the field.

Heck, the Pats probably use controversy to their advantage.

New England’s offensive line has been a bit shaky this preseason. Offensive tackle Trent Brown, whom the Patriots picked up from the 49ers to replace Nate Solder (joined the Giants), hasn’t looked totally equipped to protect Brady’s blind side. And that might be a sore question mark for New England’s offense early.

Same with the defense, although we saw a similar situation pan out last year on that side of the ball. And the Pats still managed to find a way to the Super Bowl, didn’t they.

Here’s your lesson: Don’t bet against the Patriots until they’re officially out.