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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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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 22: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks on during the preseason game between the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 22: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks on during the preseason game between the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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

Again, let this be another lesson to all of you: Never count the New England Patriots out until they’re actually out.

And while you can once again look at a 42-year-old quarterback, Tom Brady, or head coach Bill Belichick losing his edge as possible reasons, pundits and critics have been saying that for years.

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Yet the Pats are still here.

Wide receiver Josh Gordon is back. That should be a scary thing, if he can remain focused and stay on the field. New England has a strong history of turning reclamation players into stars, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see Gordon the next example.

Just think if Brady can get the most from players like Gordon and the rookie, wide receiver N’Keal Harry.

Like a number of teams, it wouldn’t be shocking to see New England start off a big slow, raising those same questions which have been asked for years now. Yet Belichick and Co. always seem to hit their stride at the right time, exactly, almost as if they’ve been through that before.

Next. 49ers' 15 most beloved fan favorites in franchise history. dark

While seeing the Patriots back in the Super Bowl again this season could still be something of a reach, they remain atop our NFL power rankings for a very good reason.

Until proven otherwise, they’re still No. 1.