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

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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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – AUGUST 29: Gardner Minshew #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs for yardage during a preseason game at TIAA Bank Field on August 29, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

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The Jacksonville Jaguars climb a spot in our NFL power rankings for a similar reason the Panthers do, albeit not as drastic.

Instead of a quarterback, though, the Jaguars’ rise has to hinge on the shoulders of running back Leonard Fournette, who needs to showcase he can be a focal point of Jacksonville’s offensive efforts. Fournette also needs to stay healthy, being that bell-cow presence on an offense built around ball control and establishing the run.

Even with quarterback Nick Foles under center and more than a few question marks about receiving targets.

One also might expect the Jaguars defense to return to the kind of form which helped propel the team into the AFC Championship two seasons ago.

Fans should know pretty early if the Jags defense can do this, considering they have to host the Chiefs before traveling to take on the Houston Texans over the first two weeks of the regular season.