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NFL Power Rankings: 49ers snatch top seed, Patriots lose footing entering playoffs

By Dan Parzych

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 29: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a touchdown against the during the first quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on December 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 29: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a touchdown against the during the first quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on December 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

18. Denver Broncos (21)

One can only imagine how great the Denver Broncos felt to officially eliminate any slim hope of the Oakland Raiders reaching the playoffs, but the team should feel even more excited over what the 2020 season could have store on offense.

Ever since Peyton Manning decided to retire after leading the Broncos to their last Super Bowl title, Denver has struggled to find a potential quarterback to build the franchise around with numerous failed candidates.

Even this past season, the Broncos felt confident enough in Joe Flacco at least being the short-term answer under center before the Super Bowl MVP ended up suffering a season-ending injury.

Drew Lock unfortunately wasn’t healthy enough to start the season for Denver, but ever since the rookie took over on offense, the Broncos have been playing with some sort of surprise spark that makes it seem like the team could be a surprise contender in the AFC for 2020.

For years, it’s been unfair to watch Denver’s defense fail to receive the necessary help on offense from their teammates, but after watching Lock help the Broncos win four of their last five games to end 2019, the future finally seems bright on offense with the rookie quarterback.

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