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State of the Franchise: Bills poised to take next step, win AFC East

The Buffalo Bills are poised to establish themselves as the team to beat in the AFC East, but how will they handle the pressure that comes with being at the top? Adam Rank sets the table for the franchise heading into the 2020 season.
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State of the Franchise: Critical year for Gase, Darnold, future of Jets

The Jets head toward the 2020 season facing a number of crucial questions. Is Adam Gase the right man to lead this team? Is Sam Darnold truly a franchise quarterback? Can the relationship with Jamal Adams be salvaged? Adam Rank explores the state of the franchise.
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State of the Franchise: Will Flores' Dolphins break through in Year 2?

Although Miami finished with just a 5-11 record last season, Brian Flores' stripped-down Dolphins played some inspired football, especially down the stretch. What's in store for the Fins in 2020? Adam Rank explores the state of the franchise.
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State of the Franchise: Will Cam Newton continue Patriots' reign?

Yes, Tom Brady is gone. But are you really about to overlook a Bill Belichick team featuring Cam Newton at quarterback? In exploring the state of the Patriots, Adam Rank expects New England to be right in the thick of the AFC race once again.
FILE - In this Sept. 23, 2018, file photo, Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) talks with Bears head coach Matt Nagy, right, prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz. The Bears are eyeing the draft from a different perch. A worst-to-first jump last season left them staring down at the rest of the NFC North, armed and loaded with one of the league’s best defenses and banking on a more creative offense led by Trubisky to improve in Nagy’s second season. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)

State of the Franchise: Despite QB question, Bears should contend

Though the question of Mitchell Trubisky's ability to be an effective quarterback looms, Adam Rank sees plenty of talent across the rest of Matt Nagy's Chicago Bears roster.
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Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia, left, quarterback Matthew Stafford (9), and quarterback Matt Cassel (8) link arms prior to an NFL game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sep. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Aaron Doster via AP)

State of the Franchise: Make-or-break year for current Lions regime

The Lions' first two seasons under Matt Patricia didn't exactly go as planned, with the first-time head coach posting a 9-22-1 record and owning the NFC North cellar. Consequently, 2020's a make-or-break year in Detroit. Adam Rank examines the state of the franchise.
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Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers talks to head coach Matt LaFleur before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

State of the Franchise: Packers trying to win now, build for future

Adam Rank examines a Packers franchise trying to plan for the future even as Aaron Rodgers attempts to bring another title to Green Bay in 2020.
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Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer walks on the field before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

State of the Franchise: Can Vikings deliver in Zimmer's contract year?

Despite posting a 57-38-1 record over the past six seasons, Mike Zimmer heads into the 2020 campaign under pressure in Minnesota. Do the Vikings look Super? Adam Rank examines the state of the franchise in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
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State of the Franchise: More magic from Tannehill, Titans?

In 2019, Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry led the Tennessee Titans on a stunning run to the AFC title game. Adam Rank considers whether Mike Vrabel's squad can keep the good vibes rolling into 2020.
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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2019 in Charlotte, N.C. (Logan Bowles via AP)

State of the Franchise: Will Gardner Minshew save Doug Marrone?

Since reaching the 2017 AFC Championship Game, the Jaguars have fallen off a cliff. With head coach Doug Marrone and general manager David Caldwell on thin ice, can Gardner Minshew lift Jacksonville back off the mat? Adam Rank explores the state of the franchise.
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Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, left, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes speak during a television interview after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

State of the Franchise: Repeat or bust for Mahomes' Chiefs in 2020

Are the Chiefs building the NFL's next dynasty? Adam Rank explores the state of the reigning champs and sees a team with a great chance to continue its winning ways.
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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

State of the Franchise: Colts built to win now with Philip Rivers

It seemed luck wasn't on the Colts' side in 2019, but Adam Rank foresees a reversal of fortunes for Indianapolis in 2020. The arrival of Philip Rivers is a big reason for his optimism as he assesses the state of the franchise.
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Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) talks with coach Bill O'Brien before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

State of the Franchise: Can Texans improve without DeAndre Hopkins?

Houston sent a shockwave through the NFL world by trading DeAndre Hopkins back in March. What's next for Bill O'Brien's team? In assessing the state of the Texans, Adam Rank says the franchise has one major advantage: emerging superstar Deshaun Watson.
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FILE - In this Jan. 2, 2020, file photo, Washington Redskins new head coach Ron Rivera holds up a helmet during a news conference at the team's NFL football training facility in Ashburn, Va. The new Redskins coach took some big swings in free agency but has so far been more focused on incremental additions and subtractions to change the culture within the organization and build for the future. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

State of the Franchise: Redskins trending up with Ron Rivera in tow

With Ron Rivera taking over as head coach and Dwayne Haskins putting himself in position for a breakout sophomore campaign, Adam Rank says the Washington Redskins are heading in the right direction for the first time in a long time.
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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz and head coach Doug Pederson talk during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018 in Philadelphia. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)

State of the Franchise: Super Bowl or bust for Carson Wentz's Eagles?

Super Bowl or bust in Philadelphia? In today's State of the Franchise, Adam Rank says the Eagles have the best coach in football right now and a legitimate MVP candidate at quarterback.
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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) hands off ball to running back Saquon Barkley (26) during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Eagles won 34-17. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)

State of the Franchise: Reasons for optimism as Giants begin new era

With the baton officially passed to Daniel Jones at quarterback, Adam Rank says head coach Joe Judge is spearheading a new era of Giants football that should have the team's fans feeling hopeful.
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State of the Franchise: Pressure on Cowboys, McCarthy to win it all

Can Dak Prescott and Mike McCarthy make good on the promise of the Cowboys' Super Bowl-caliber roster? Adam Rank checks in on a franchise facing sky-high expectations.
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Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

State of the Franchise: Drew Lock, Denver Broncos playoff-bound

Broncos QB Drew Lock has already won over his teammates and staff. Now can he get Denver back to the playoffs? Adam Rank explores the state of the club heading into the 2020 season.
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State of the Franchise: Post-Rivers Chargers at a crossroads

Adam Rank examines the state of the Los Angeles Chargers as they move into the post-Philip Rivers era. Will Anthony Lynn and Joey Bosa push the Bolts back to the playoffs?
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Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden, left, speaks with Raiders quarterback Derek Carr before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

State of the Franchise: Greatness in Las Vegas Raiders' future?

Al Davis once said, "The greatness of the Raiders is in its future." Adam Rank agrees in his assessment of the franchise heading into its inaugural season in Las Vegas. 
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Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, left, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes speak during a television interview after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

State of the Franchise: Repeat or bust for Mahomes' Chiefs in 2020

Are the Chiefs building the NFL's next dynasty? Adam Rank explores the state of the reigning champs and sees a team with a great chance to continue its winning ways.
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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) walks with head coach John Harbaugh, right, after an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 42-21. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

State of the Franchise: Lamar Jackson, Ravens ready to level up?

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' 2019 ride ended in a shocking playoff loss. Adam Rank digs into a team and quarterback readying to reach a new plane of success in 2020.
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FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow throws a pass against Clemson during the second half of the NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans. No. 1 overall pick Burrow and the rest of the rookie class will begin preparing for their first seasons in the NFL at home instead of at minicamps and team facilities this month. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

State of the Franchise: Bengals trending up with Joe Burrow

The Bengals have their quarterback. But do they have the pieces around him to succeed in 2020? Adam Rank examines a team on the rise.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

State of the Franchise: This time, believe in Browns, Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns fell far short of expectations in 2019. Adam Rank examines their chances of finally making real noise in the tough AFC North.
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