Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: Post-preseason 32-team breakdown before Week 1

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts watches from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts watches from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OHIO – AUGUST 29: Jacoby Brissett #7 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO – AUGUST 29: Jacoby Brissett #7 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

. . Previous: . Indianapolis Colts. 18. team. 46

Such a massive fall in NFL power rankings for the Colts, who were widely viewed as AFC champion contenders this season.

But that’s what happens when a team’s franchise quarterback, Andrew Luck, retires suddenly.

Luck’s return last year from a lingering shoulder injury, combined by some excellent efforts from general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Frank Reich, ushered in one of the biggest turnarounds in recent NFL memory. So it wasn’t surprising to see the Colts emerge as a favorite.

Is it unfortunate for Indianapolis fans? Absolutely. It’s heartbreaking, yet the decision was Luck’s to make. Not anyone else’s.

Yet the franchise must move on, of course, and the offensive hopes now hinge on Luck’s backup, Jacoby Brissett.

Brissett, a former New England Patriots understudy, could wind up being quite the saving grace for the Colts. Considering he’s completed less than 60 percent of his passes at the NFL level, though, it might be wiser to temper expectations in 2019.

Hopefully running back Marlon Mack winds up being a massive offensive force for Indy this year. The Colts need him to be.