NFL Power Rankings, Week 1: Titans ink Clowney, Chiefs remain clear favorites

Considering that you haven’t seen them yet, you know that the reigning champion Chiefs are in the top three of these NFL Power Rankings. And the shortcoming of Kansas City’s roster is undeniably the defense. Yet, as they made enough improvements there, especially with the pass-rush, that was enough to let their elite offense lead the way. So why can’t the same formula work for the Dallas Cowboys?

This isn’t to say that Dak Prescott is Patrick Mahomes — he’s not. However, he has proven that he’s a top-end player at the position in this league and his situation is phenomenal. The offensive line remains a strength, Ezekiel Elliott is a high-class running back and the wide receiver trio of Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and CeeDee Lamb might be the best in the league.

Throw in the addition of new head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore remaining in tow, this offense could be a top-three unit in the league in 2020.

People tend to look at the Cowboys defense and point to it as the reason why Dallas won’t contend in the 2020 season. But why? Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch are quality linebackers, the defensive line — even with Gerald McCoy’s injury — has elite upside as a pass-rushing unit and the secondary is young but talented.

This group can, in a way, replicate the Chiefs formula to find success this season. And if you’re not counting them as a legit Super Bowl contender, you’re being willingly blind to the situation at hand.