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NFL Power Rankings 2019: Andrew Luck shakes up the league

By Randy Gurzi

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts walks off the field after the Indianapolis Colts preseason game against the Chicago Bears after it was reported that he would be retiring at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts walks off the field after the Indianapolis Colts preseason game against the Chicago Bears after it was reported that he would be retiring at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Andrew Luck
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 30: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts waves to the crowd while leaving the field after beating the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Our NFL Power Rankings 2019 get shaken up as Andrew Luck shockingly decided to retire from the league, leaving the Indianapolis Colts before the age of 30

The entire league was shocked by the decision by Andrew Luck to retire. This affects not only the Indianapolis Colts but also has quite an impact on the rest of the league — although the main changes are seen in the AFC.

As soon as it was announced that Luck was stepping away, the Houston Texans became the favorite to win the AFC South. They may have been favored already, but as long as Luck was under center, the Colts were a major threat to them.

That won’t be the case now as he gives way now to Jacoby Brissett, who isn’t a terrible quarterback, but the last time they had to turn to him — 2017 when Luck was out with a shoulder injury — Indianapolis finished 4-12. To be fair to Brissett, he was a late addition to the team, and they do have a better roster now, but he’s still not at the same level that Luck was.

As for Luck himself, it’s completely understandable why he left. He was banged up all throughout the 2015 and 2016 season before having shoulder surgery in January of 2017. He then wasn’t able to throw a ball again until summer of 2018 and the rust was evident early on when he returned.

Luck ended up orchestrating a beautiful second half of football as Indy went from 1-5 to 10-6 and won a playoff game. He was a joy to watch and will be missed. Here’s to hoping Luck has a great time after hanging up his cleats.

And with all that being said, we now can see how the 2019 NFL Power Rankings look ahead of the fourth week of the preseason.

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