JOHN MCCLAIN’S NFL POWER RANKINGS

1. KANSAS CITY (12-4)

The Chiefs are attempting to become the first Super Bowl champion to repeat since the 2004 Patriots.

2. NEW ORLEANS (13-3)

After three consecutive difficult playoff losses, it’s time for the Saints to make their second Super Bowl appearance.

3. BALTIMORE (14-2)

The Ravens should be highly motivated after compiling the league’s best record before losing their first playoff game.

4. TAMPA BAY (7-9)

With Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, the Bucs should be the league’s most improved team and a Super Bowl contender.

5. SAN FRANCISCO (13-3)

After losing the Super Bowl to Kansas City, the 49ers should have lots of incentive to make back-to-back appearances.

6. GREEN BAY (13-3)

It defies explanation why the Packers’ brass didn’t do anything to improve wide receiver for Aaron Rodgers.

7. SEATTLE (11-5)

Jamal Adams was added to the defense. As long as Russell Wilson stays healthy, the Seahawks are Super Bowl contenders.

8. PITTSBURGH (8-8)

The 14 games Ben Roethlisberger missed because of an elbow injury saved a lot of wear and tear on his 38-year-old body. 9. TENNESSEE (9-7)

After winning at Baltimore and New England in the playoffs, the Titans should be favored to earn an AFC South title.

10. DALLAS (8-8)

There’s no excuse for the Cowboys not to have a high-scoring offense and one of the league’s most effective pass rushes.

11. HOUSTON (10-6)

Despite competing for their fifth division title in six years, the Texans have gotten no respect in preseason predictions.

12. BUFFALO (10-6)

It’s fashionable to pick the Bills over the Patriots in the AFC East, but they have to prove they can do it on the field.

13. MINNESOTA (10-6)

With Gary Kubiak taking over the offense and Mike Zimmer getting an extension, the Vikings are a Super Bowl contender.

14. NEW ENGLAND (12-4)

Bill Belichick did rebuilding jobs with Cleveland and New England, and this season presents another huge challenge.

15. INDIANAPOLIS (7-9)

If Philip Rivers plays like he did in 2018, the Colts will be a genuine contender to dethrone the Texans in the AFC South.

16. ATLANTA (7-9)

If the Falcons pick up where they left off, Dan Quinn will keep his job. If not, he could be one of the early casualties. 17. PHILADELPHIA (9-7)

The Eagles are the defending NFC East champions, but they should have a difficult time not getting overrun by Dallas.

18. LAS VEGAS (7-9)

The Raiders have a new home in the desert and a lot of talent on both sides of the ball for Jon Gruden’s third season.

19. DENVER (7-9)

At least the Broncos know Drew Lock is their starting quarterback, but they’ve got questions at other positions.

20. L.A. RAMS (9-7)

After losing a close Super Bowl to the Patriots, the Rams missed the playoffs in 2019 and underwent significant changes.

21. CLEVELAND (6-10)

Kevin Stefanski is the Browns’ third head coach in three years, which could be a recipe for another disaster.

22. CHICAGO (8-8)

The competition between veterans Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles could create a season-long quarterback controversy.

23. ARIZONA (5-10-1)

All eyes will be on second-year quarterback Kyler Murray and his new favorite target, All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

24. JACKSONVILLE (6-10)

They’re destined for last place in the AFC South, but the Jaguars have enough talent to player the spoiler’s role. 25. N.Y. GIANTS (4-12)

Expect second-year QB Daniel Jones to improve this season and be a dangerous combination with Saquon Barkley.

26. DETROIT (3-12-1)

Matt Patricia is desperate for Matthew Stafford to stay healthy after missing so much time because of injuries.

27. L.A. CHARGERS (5-11)

They didn’t use the sixth overall pick on quarterback Justin Herbert to have him sit for too long behind Tyrod Taylor.

28. N.Y. JETS (7-9)

The Jets lost Jamal Adams and C.J. Mosley from the defense. QB Sam Darnold’s under pressure to produce lots of touchdowns.

29. CAROLINA (5-11)

Matt Rhule has veteran Teddy Bridgewater as his starting quarterback, but he’s got a lot of inexperienced players, too.

30. MIAMI (5-11)

It’s only a matter of time before Tua Tagovailoa replaces Ryan Fitzpatrick, and the offense is going to have ups and downs.

31. CINCINNATI (2-14)

With rookie Joe Burrow starting without on-field coaching in the offseason, the Bengals will experience growing pains.

32. WASHINGTON (3-13)

Ron Rivera could have a great pass rush, but his offense should struggle with Dwayne Haskins in his second season.