NFL Power Rankings, way-too-early edition: Maybe the Eagles are the next dynasty

Through NFL history, there is a nearly unbroken string of dynasties. Go back to the Green Bay Packers of the 1960s, and there’s a direct line from them to the 1970s Steelers, to the 1980s 49ers, to the 1990s Cowboys to the Patriots of most of the 21st century.

The Patriots handed it off right to the Kansas City Chiefs, who went to five Super Bowls in six seasons, winning three. Maybe we saw the start of the Chiefs handing off their dynasty to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.

There was no question the Eagles were the superior team in the 40-22 win over the Chiefs. In the past three seasons, they barely lost a Super Bowl, started 10-1 the following season (though had a horrible collapse at the end), then won 16 of their final 17 games to win a Super Bowl. Aside from a miserable stretch that started late in the 2023 season and carried through September of this past season, the Eagles have been almost unbeatable.

There’s no reason to believe the Eagles will take a step back. They have important free agents like linebacker Zack Baun, edge rusher Josh Sweat and defensive tackle Milton Williams, who were all fantastic Sunday night. But Philadelphia has drafted so well, it has the depth to absorb any losses. It’s a young roster, most of which is slated to return next season, with plenty of stars and complementary pieces as well.

Super Bowl LIX was undeniably one of the great team performances in Super Bowl history. It might not be the last time this Eagles core makes a Super Bowl either.

Here are the way-too-early power rankings for the NFL as we head into the long offseason: