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RICK SCUTERI/Associated Press

Having a dominant position unit can vault an NFL team into playoff contention.

Having several can get a team deep into January and closer to hanging a banner.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, for example, led his team en route to his first MVP award in 2016. But the support he received from running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman made Atlanta's offense far more dynamic.

Being deep at one position can spread around the playmaking burden. Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota knows that feeling well.

The former No. 2 overall pick has steadily progressed in each of his two NFL seasons, in part due to the stonewalling offensive line in front of him. Mariota feels safe and secure in the pocket, and he's able to watch as the team's O-line opens up gaping holes for Titans running backs to gallop through.

Being dominant in one area also improves others. The New York Giants might be able to squeeze a few more years out of quarterback Eli Manning's career because of the pass-catchers around him now. The Houston Texans' ferocious defensive line gives cornerbacks license to be more aggressive in coverage, knowing the opposing passer won't have much time.

In many ways, teams plant their championship seeds by having one standout position unit, let alone several.

Let's look more closely at the best position units for 2017, starting with the depth of that Falcons backfield.