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| Courtesy of NFL |
The wait is almost over. Football is coming back.
The Houston Texans hold the unenviable 32nd position in the preseason power rankings. Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson is widely expected to be suspended to start the season amidst sexual misconduct allegations, which could thrust journeyman Tyrod Taylor on the field. Potentially losing the NFL's leading passer will pull the rug from under the Houston franchise, even beyond their pass heavy offense. Watson thrived last season in spite of a horrific offensive line, and a shorthanded offense. The defense finished 30th in yards allowed and worst against the run in 2020, and just parted ways with franchise icon J.J. Watt. Rookie head coach David Culley is stuck between a rock and a hard place navigating Watson's status, and winning games in 2021 with a roster full of holes.
For the first time since 2008, Matthew Stafford will not be taking snaps under center for the Detroit Lions this season. Former Rams starter Jared Goff slots in at quarterback, surrounded by the NFL's weakest receiving core. The Lions replaced Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones with Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman. D'Andre Swift and T.J. Hockenson are explosive threats, and the offensive line is strong, but the depth at skill positions is inept. The defense is young and inexperienced, and finished bottom in yards allowed last season. The team expects second-year corner Jeff Okudah to take a leap, but the defense is largely unknown and unproven. Rookie head coach Dan Campbell expects his team to bite some kneecaps in 2021, but they're poised to lose a whole lot of games.
For the 2nd time in 4 years, the New York Jets are starting a rookie at quarterback. In just one offseason, the Jets are looking to prove they learned from the failed Sam Darnold experiment, and that they are prepared to build around a young quarterback and propel themselves back into contention. The team complimented the selection of Zach Wilson second overall by acquiring pass catchers Corey Davis, Elijah Moore, and Keelan Cole, offensive linemen Morgan Moses and Alijah Vera-Tucker. The return of CJ Mosley after opting out in 2020 could be transformative if he is healthy, and reenergize the defense. The newbie at head coach is promisingly the polar opposite profile from Adam Gase. Robert Saleh's squad has promise to be back in contention sooner than later, especially if Wilson develops into the quarterback the Jets think they drafted. A solid offensive and defensive line could help the Jets take strides in 2021, but they have a lot to prove in order to climb from this ranking.
Entering another year with Matt Ryan under center, it's the same old story for the Atlanta Falcons. A loaded offense, but an impotent defense. This year, the Falcons could stumble early in its own growing pains, under a first-year head coach, and without the greatest wide receiver in franchise history, Julio Jones. In Jones' absence, Calvin Ridley will need to prove he can slide in as a bonafide number one wideout, and rookie tight end Kyle Pitts must show he is as advertised, the most gifted tight end prospect in a long time. Whether the offense can put up points or not, the defense is reputably terrible. They finished as the worst passing defense and 4th worst total defense in the NFL last season, and notably capitulating in the 4th quarter on a weekly basis. Despite their woes, the Falcons did not improve on that side of the ball, and feature one of the league's worst secondaries. This team will hardly be competitive unless Ryan rediscovers his 2016 self, and the defense can register loads of sacks and takeaways.
The sum of Jacksonville's pieces is excitingly high, but the amount of new faces in Duval is bound to take time to put together. It starts with the rookie quarterback and first overall pick in the draft, Trevor Lawrence. Lauded as one of the greatest quarterback prospects in a generation, he is expected to hit the ground running right away with the likes of James Robinson, Travis Etienne, DJ Chark, Marvin Jones, and Laviska Shenault in the offense. The defense ranked 31st in yards allowed, scoring, and sacks year, and cannot afford to force Lawrence to outscore opponents in shootouts on a weekly basis. With playmakers like Josh Allen, Myles Jack, and newly signed Shaquill Griffin, the defense should stiffen up in 2021. A rookie head coach with no NFL experience is also concerning. Urban Meyer has the trust of the Jaguars organization to rebuild a franchise in his image, and he is leading a team rolling out 9 new starters in year one. There's a lot of mystery surrounding the Jaguars, and their outlook this season is as unpredictable as it gets.
We are just over one month away from regular season football games, and with that, it is an appropriate time to see where all 32 teams stack up ahead of a new season. The offseason chronicled yet another spring of mass roster shuffling, headlined by Trevor Lawrence going to the Jaguars, Matt Stafford and Jared Goff swapping teams, and Jets rookie quarterback Zach Wilson still learning how to adjust to the New Jersey traffic. Now that the dust has settled, let's see who sits as the bottom feeders, the ascending playoff hopefuls, and the true Super Bowl favorites.
You will inevitably disagree with most of my rankings, probably because they are scarily accurate, and you are ill-prepared for my hard-hitting, objective analysis. Send any grievances to @thesamdecoste on Twitter. Praise is also welcome if you have any to spare.
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| 32. Houston Texans |
The Houston Texans hold the unenviable 32nd position in the preseason power rankings. Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson is widely expected to be suspended to start the season amidst sexual misconduct allegations, which could thrust journeyman Tyrod Taylor on the field. Potentially losing the NFL's leading passer will pull the rug from under the Houston franchise, even beyond their pass heavy offense. Watson thrived last season in spite of a horrific offensive line, and a shorthanded offense. The defense finished 30th in yards allowed and worst against the run in 2020, and just parted ways with franchise icon J.J. Watt. Rookie head coach David Culley is stuck between a rock and a hard place navigating Watson's status, and winning games in 2021 with a roster full of holes.
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| 31. Detroit Lions |
For the first time since 2008, Matthew Stafford will not be taking snaps under center for the Detroit Lions this season. Former Rams starter Jared Goff slots in at quarterback, surrounded by the NFL's weakest receiving core. The Lions replaced Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones with Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman. D'Andre Swift and T.J. Hockenson are explosive threats, and the offensive line is strong, but the depth at skill positions is inept. The defense is young and inexperienced, and finished bottom in yards allowed last season. The team expects second-year corner Jeff Okudah to take a leap, but the defense is largely unknown and unproven. Rookie head coach Dan Campbell expects his team to bite some kneecaps in 2021, but they're poised to lose a whole lot of games.
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| 30. New York Jets |
For the 2nd time in 4 years, the New York Jets are starting a rookie at quarterback. In just one offseason, the Jets are looking to prove they learned from the failed Sam Darnold experiment, and that they are prepared to build around a young quarterback and propel themselves back into contention. The team complimented the selection of Zach Wilson second overall by acquiring pass catchers Corey Davis, Elijah Moore, and Keelan Cole, offensive linemen Morgan Moses and Alijah Vera-Tucker. The return of CJ Mosley after opting out in 2020 could be transformative if he is healthy, and reenergize the defense. The newbie at head coach is promisingly the polar opposite profile from Adam Gase. Robert Saleh's squad has promise to be back in contention sooner than later, especially if Wilson develops into the quarterback the Jets think they drafted. A solid offensive and defensive line could help the Jets take strides in 2021, but they have a lot to prove in order to climb from this ranking.
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| 29. Atlanta Falcons |
Entering another year with Matt Ryan under center, it's the same old story for the Atlanta Falcons. A loaded offense, but an impotent defense. This year, the Falcons could stumble early in its own growing pains, under a first-year head coach, and without the greatest wide receiver in franchise history, Julio Jones. In Jones' absence, Calvin Ridley will need to prove he can slide in as a bonafide number one wideout, and rookie tight end Kyle Pitts must show he is as advertised, the most gifted tight end prospect in a long time. Whether the offense can put up points or not, the defense is reputably terrible. They finished as the worst passing defense and 4th worst total defense in the NFL last season, and notably capitulating in the 4th quarter on a weekly basis. Despite their woes, the Falcons did not improve on that side of the ball, and feature one of the league's worst secondaries. This team will hardly be competitive unless Ryan rediscovers his 2016 self, and the defense can register loads of sacks and takeaways.
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| 28. Jacksonville Jaguars |
The sum of Jacksonville's pieces is excitingly high, but the amount of new faces in Duval is bound to take time to put together. It starts with the rookie quarterback and first overall pick in the draft, Trevor Lawrence. Lauded as one of the greatest quarterback prospects in a generation, he is expected to hit the ground running right away with the likes of James Robinson, Travis Etienne, DJ Chark, Marvin Jones, and Laviska Shenault in the offense. The defense ranked 31st in yards allowed, scoring, and sacks year, and cannot afford to force Lawrence to outscore opponents in shootouts on a weekly basis. With playmakers like Josh Allen, Myles Jack, and newly signed Shaquill Griffin, the defense should stiffen up in 2021. A rookie head coach with no NFL experience is also concerning. Urban Meyer has the trust of the Jaguars organization to rebuild a franchise in his image, and he is leading a team rolling out 9 new starters in year one. There's a lot of mystery surrounding the Jaguars, and their outlook this season is as unpredictable as it gets.
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| 27. Las Vegas Raiders |
Patience is waning on the Jon Gruden experiment in Las Vegas. Entering his 4th year in charge, the Raiders are 19-29, and the team has dependently fallen short time and time again. There is playmaking ability available, including Henry Ruggs, Darren Waller, Josh Jacobs, and Kenyan Drake on the offense alone. Derek Carr at quarterback has been remarkably solid despite consistent rumors surrounding a search for his potential replacement for years. But the defense has been atrocious, ranking 30th, 24th, and 32nd in yards allowed in Gruden's 3 years. The Raiders are hoping for a breakout year up front, with Yannick Ngakoue and Quinton Jefferson signed to play alongside Maxx Crosby, Clelin Ferrell, and Carl Nassib. The secondary is still alarmingly vulnerable as well. General manager Mike Mayock alongside Gruden have had ample time and sufficient offseasons to build the team in their image, but now it's time to see returns on investment, and a team serious about its playoff intentions. On paper, the Raiders still don't have enough to make that jump.
Drafting quarterback Justin Fields has completely energized the Chicago Bears fanbase ahead of 2021. But as eager as fans are to watch the rookie, head coach Matt Nagy is adamant that Andy Dalton will start Week 1. The Bears hope to redshirt Fields for as long as possible and let Dalton hold the fort down. It likely won't matter who starts under center for the Bears this season, seeing as the roster is remarkably mediocre and the coaching over the last few seasons has been similarly uninspiring. The offense runs through David Montgomery, who ran for 598 yards over the final 6 games last season, but totaled just 472 yards in his first 10 games. The running game could sputter early in the season again, and force the quarterback into dropping back 40 to 50 times per game. For the Bears to win in 2021, it will have to come down to elite performances from what is a talented defense on paper. It's about time for Khalil Mack to sack somebody again.
The Eagles have as much raw potential on paper as any foe in the NFC East, especially on offense. Miles Sanders in the backfield, Dallas Goedert and potentially Zach Ertz at tight end, and Heisman winner Devonta Smith on the outside. Jalen Reagor could be an X-factor if he improves in his sophomore season, after a disappointing rookie campaign. Jalen Hurts has options in the passing game, and showed last season that he has the upside to develop into a phenomenal quarterback. The defense is talented but aging. Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, and Darius Slay are each 30 years and older. They are all still viable impact players on defense, but the Eagles need to see contributions from their role players. It will be no easy task for first year head coach Nick Sirianni to put the pieces together and build a winner right away. But this team will be fun to watch.
The Panthers took a low-risk gamble by trading for Sam Darnold from the Jets. Darnold slides into a system led by promising young coach Matt Rhule, and exciting impact players on offense. Christian McCaffrey is the NFL's forgotten superstar after missing 13 games in 2020, and should bring back a familiar excitement into the Panthers offense. DJ Moore and Robby Anderson feature at wide receiver, and make up the best supporting cast of Darnold's young career. The defense is also quite young and scattered with untapped potential. Rookie corner Jaycee Horn joins a secondary already featuring star safety Jeremy Chinn, and the pass rush has potential for a breakout season with the likes of Brian Burns, Haason Reddick, and Derrick Brown. The Panthers could sneak up on people in 2021, and cause some noise in a wide open race for second-best in the NFC South.
Don't look now, but the Giants offense is absolutely loaded. Saquon Barkley is expected to return from a torn ACL, Kenny Golladay steps in as the number one wideout alongside Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton, as well as rookie Kadarius Toney, and Evan Engram at tight end. In spite of an iffy offensive line and questions about the development of Daniel Jones, the offense will surely be exciting to watch. The defense is quietly solid as well, and the secondary is stout. James Bradberry was one of the highest-performing corners in football last season, and will play alongside new signings Adoree' Jackson, Logan Ryan. On paper, the Giants are as balanced and talented as the Washington Football Team, and have the team to contest the division. The onus falls on head coach Joe Judge, who needs to put the pieces together and create a winner out of this roster.
It's now or never for 3rd year quarterback Drew Lock. The Broncos have assembled a high octane offense capable of challenging the Chiefs in the AFC West. Jerry Jeudy is a superstar wide receiver in the making, Noah Fant is a top 10 tight end, and Courtland Sutton and KJ Hamler are explosive threats on the outside, not to mention Melvin Gordon at running back. The offense is loaded, and the defense will be healthier in 2021. Von Miller returns after missing all of last season, lining up opposite Bradley Chubb, and Justin Simmons leads a strong secondary featuring rookie corner Patrick Surtain. The Broncos have a playoff-ready team minus the gaping question mark at quarterback. Veteran Teddy Bridgewater will compete with Lock for the starting job, and push Lock to develop into the franchise quarterback the Broncos are hoping he can become. But until Denver finds stability at quarterback, the Broncos will fall behind in a highly competitive AFC West and congested playoff race.
I originally ranked the Indianapolis Colts much higher on the rankings, closer to the teams they shared the postseason with in 2020. But the Colts suffered pivotal injuries this week in training camp on offense, each with disturbingly similar roads to recovery. Newly acquired quarterback Carson Wentz will undergo surgery on his left foot, while All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson is being treated for the same ailment. Their recovery timetables range from 5 to 12 weeks, which could be as harmless as missing the remainder of training camp or as volatile as sidelining them through mid-October. Nelson is the best player on the roster, and the unquestioned best at his position. But Wentz missing time is discouragingly impactful on this team's outlook being a first year quarterback in a new system, following a season in which he was one of the NFL's worst performing quarterbacks. The success of the 2021 Colts completely hinges on a career turnaround for Wentz. But throwing Wentz to the wolves after the season starts could spell inconvenient growing pains for the offense. It's also plausible that backup Jacob Eason will not be able to keep the Colts competitive long enough for Wentz to save them. The pressure falls on the likes of Jonathan Taylor, Nyheim Hines, and Marlon Mack to slow the game down for Eason, and to settle down a defense which suddenly has more burden to shoulder as well. If Wentz's recovery stalls, or he doesn't come back at full health, the Colts season will be over before it can even get started.
The Vikings quietly boast one of the NFL's most dynamic offenses. They finished 4th in yards per game last season, thanks to superstar play from running back Dalvin Cook and rookie receiver Justin Jefferson. Adam Theilen is still a Pro Bowl caliber receiver, and tight end Irv Smith is poised to improve. In spite of the consistent criticism thrown towards quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Vikings have surrounded him with one of the most talented supporting casts in the NFL, and he should have another stellar statistical campaign. Counter to Mike Zimmer football, the defense was atrocious in 2020. Regaining Eric Kendricks and Danielle Hunter at full health could be transformative for them, and signing Patrick Peterson provides much-needed help in the secondary. In order to unseat the Packers at the top of the NFC North, the Vikings are going to have to rattle Aaron Rodgers, and score plenty of points. Modest improvement from the defense and more superstar performances on offense could be enough for a playoff push.
The Dolphins are a team on the rise, and have their sights set on returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Miami's growth, or regression, will directly correlate to the development of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in his 2nd season. His rookie season was unspectacular, but his weapons were similarly impotent in 2020. The Dolphins acquired speedsters on the outside like Will Fuller and Jaylen Waddle to pair with Devante Parker and tight end Mike Geisicki. The offense is poised to improve, and foster Tagovailoa's growth. The defense led the NFL in takeaways last season, but now their best player wants out. Xavien Howard requested a trade from the Dolphins at the start of training camp, and would leave a glaring weakness for Miami if he gets his wish. With Howard, the Dolphins have a fantastic defense. Without him, they will take quite a few steps back. In a highly competitive division, the Dolphins still have a lot to prove, and the possibility of a Howard trade would have consequential ramifications.
The home of the NFL's most formidable front 4 and arguably the best all-around defense is the nation's capital. Washington's backbone is their defense, and the front office strengthened it by adding Jamin Davis in the draft and signing William Jackson to play corner. This defense carried the team into the postseason a year ago, and is favored to do it again with what projects to be a much-improved offense. Ryan Fitzpatrick signed as a free agent and faces no competition for the starting gig at quarterback, and has an impressive arsenal around him. Terry McLaurin is a star receiver in the making, and now he can share targets with Curtis Samuel and Adam Humphries. Antonio Gibson in his second season should develop into a star running back as well. This team is capable of winning the NFC East yet again, and the defense is capable of winning a championship. But Fitzpatrick has never been to the playoffs in his career. If that drought is going to end, it's now or never.
Star quarterback Russell Wilson expressed concerns with Seattle's offseason strategies over the last few years, and the Seahawks proved them to be quite valid this year. The team's answer to woes at offensive line is tackle Gabe Jackson, and they added tight end Gerald Everett and drafted D'Wayne Eskridge at receiver to compensate for an unsettling defense. Bobby Wagner and Jamal Adams are stars, but the other 9 Seahawks defensive starters are remarkably young and inexperienced. Ahkello Witherspoon and DJ Reed starting at corner is especially frightening. On paper, the Seahawks roster is unspectacular and imbalanced. But this has been the case for the last 3 seasons, but Wilson and the offense have been able to overcorrect for a woeful defense with a high scoring offense. But Wilson may have to pull a rabbit out of his hat every week to bring Seattle back into the playoffs this year.
The Cardinals sought to surround third year quarterback Kyler Murray with the help he needs to lead Arizona to the playoffs, and they did that this offseason. They signed free agents James Conner and AJ Green to bolster their depth on offense, drafted the speedy Rondale Moore, and can still rely on Chase Edmonds out of the backfield and the streaky Christian Kirk. The defense is filled with untapped potential, including the raw linebacker-safety hybrid Isaiah Simmons, and rookie Zaven Collins, who profiles very similarly to Simmons. Former Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler slots in at corner as Patrick Peterson left in free agency. JJ Watt is expected to make an instant impact off the edge, alongside Chandler Jones, but a pair of 32 year old pass rushers is far from guaranteed to work. The sum of Arizona's parts is impressive, but it all comes down to the leadership of head coach Kliff Kingsbury. The jury is still out on whether Kingsbury is capable of guiding this very talented team to the playoffs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers deciding to resign 39 year old quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will shape their season, for better or worse. Roethlisberger's arm strength and mobility are much more limited at this stage of his career, and proved to be the source of the Steelers flaming out at the end of the 2020 season. Drafting Najee Harris in the fist round could breathe life back into the Steelers offense, and infuse much-needed balance from a pass-heavy strategy last season. The Steelers are traditionally at their best when they run the ball proficiently, and Harris may be the solution. Steelers fans should still expect a stellar defensive performance, with superstar caliber players at all 3 levels, including T.J. Watt, Devin Bush, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. But a Super Bowl defense paired with a half-baked offense led by a quarterback past his prime could easily miss the postseason altogether.
Bill Belichick led the most aggressive offseason agenda of any team in the league this year. After finishing 7-9 and ranking 30th in passing offense, the New England Patriots inked a myriad of skill position free agents including Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Kendrick Bourne, and Nelson Agholor. The Patriots offense will likely run through the ground game and play bully-ball up front, dosed with frequent double tight end sets. Cam Newton is widely expected to keep his job as the starter this season despite the selection of Mac Jones in the draft, and the Patriots expect a healthy Newton to be a far better version of the one they watched in 2020. The limitations and question marks at quarterback are discouraging for the Patriots despite a stronger supporting cast. This team is not to be written off under Belichick's leadership, and they will be a formidable Wild Card contender this season. But inconsistent quarterbacking could just as easily keep them out of the playoffs for a second consecutive year.
Injuries plagued San Francisco's season before it could begin in 2020, but are still one of the NFC's strongest and most balanced contenders. A multi-dimensional offense starring Raheem Mostert, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk, and a Super Bowl defense with a fearsome front 7. The million dollar question is whether Jimmy Garappolo will lead the charge at quarterback after the 49ers drafted Trey Lance. That question will answered in due time, but there are limitations at both quarterback options. Garappolo's inconsistency and Lance's inexperience and underdevelopment restricts the offense and will inevitably cut their season short. The 49ers will be a strong player for the NFC West yet again, but anything beyond a playoff win is far from certain.
Lamar Jackson and the NFL's 32nd ranked passing attack from 2020 desperately needed reinforcements in the receiving core. The Ravens responded by signing Sammy Watkins and drafting Rashod Bateman to open up the offense and create separation. The improvements are modest, but even a moderate jump would be a stellar complement to the league's most productive ground game. Until the passing game develops, it remains a weakness for the Ravens. Their offensive line and secondary could also be problematic, particularly the safety duo of Chuck Clark and DeShon Elliott. The narrative surrounding the Ravens remains the same as it has been the last 2 years: a consistent regular season juggernaut, but unproven when it matters.
The firepower available on the Titans offense is terrifying. The offense is led by reigning rushing champion Derrick Henry, who galloped for over 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. They may also feature the most explosive duo at wide receiver in the league, with A.J. Brown and the newly acquired Julio Jones on the other side. Ryan Tannehill is also quietly one of the league's best performing quarterbacks since his trade to Tennessee. The offense is top heavy, and the abundant scoring options could potentially stir an identity crisis. It is easily foreseeable that the Titans veer from running the ball 30 times per game now that Jones is in the offense. The team may need to outscore their opponents in weekly shootouts to be a serious contender, as the defense remains a glaring weakness. The Titans will only be as strong as their weakest link, and 19 sacks in 16 games last regular season could signal yet another first round exit if the defensive line doesn't improve.
The best news for Packers fans at this point in the summer is that Aaron Rodgers is still in fact a Packer. The reigning MVP is reportedly disgruntled with the team and wants out of Green Bay, but has stayed put. The team also retained Aaron Jones and Preston Smith, and expect 2020 opt-out Devin Funchess to feature in the offense along with 3rd round rookie selection Amari Rodgers, and of course All-Pro star wideout Davante Adams. The offense should still be productive after leading the league in scoring last season, and the defense is serviceable. It would be disastrous for the Packers not to win the NFC North, and their sights must be set on winning their first Super Bowl since 2010. The clock is ticking for 37 year old Rodgers.
Josh Allen's monstrous development has transformed the Buffalo Bills franchise, and should have Bills fans dreaming of even more in 2021. Stefon Diggs is among the NFL's most dangerous receiving threats, and he opens up passing lanes for Cole Beasley, Gabriel Davis, and the newly signed Emmanuel Sanders. The defense should surpass their 2020 performance which was subpar for most of the season. The only way of dethroning the Chiefs to reach the next step is putting pressure on the opposing quarterback. The Bills drafted two defensive linemen at the top of last year's draft in Gregory Rousseau and Carlos Basham, Jr., and expect them both to contribute to a sporadic defensive line rotation. If the Bills can complement a talented secondary with a formidable pass rush, this team is even better than their 2020 selves.
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| 26. Cincinnati Bengals |
The Bengals prioritized building an entourage around Joe Burrow, and they certainly accomplished that. His former LSU teammate Ja'Marr Chase is now his Bengals teammate, and could fill the shoes of AJ Green swiftly at wide receiver. Along with Chase, Burrow has Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd at his disposal, and the Bengals offense should improve from their standing as the 29th offense in yards and scoring from 2020. But selecting Chase and building an air-raid offense could compromise the offensive line's ability to protect the quarterback. Burrow was sacked 32 times in just 10 games last season, and suffered a season-ending ACL tear thanks to a weak line. A questionable offensive line and a 24 year old quarterback recovering from an ACL tear is a frightening combination, but the Bengals are hoping an explosive offense will offset those concerns. Six or 7 wins would be an encouraging step in the right direction for the Bengals, but they're still a season away from contending.
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| 25. Chicago Bears |
Drafting quarterback Justin Fields has completely energized the Chicago Bears fanbase ahead of 2021. But as eager as fans are to watch the rookie, head coach Matt Nagy is adamant that Andy Dalton will start Week 1. The Bears hope to redshirt Fields for as long as possible and let Dalton hold the fort down. It likely won't matter who starts under center for the Bears this season, seeing as the roster is remarkably mediocre and the coaching over the last few seasons has been similarly uninspiring. The offense runs through David Montgomery, who ran for 598 yards over the final 6 games last season, but totaled just 472 yards in his first 10 games. The running game could sputter early in the season again, and force the quarterback into dropping back 40 to 50 times per game. For the Bears to win in 2021, it will have to come down to elite performances from what is a talented defense on paper. It's about time for Khalil Mack to sack somebody again.
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| 24. Philadelphia Eagles |
The Eagles have as much raw potential on paper as any foe in the NFC East, especially on offense. Miles Sanders in the backfield, Dallas Goedert and potentially Zach Ertz at tight end, and Heisman winner Devonta Smith on the outside. Jalen Reagor could be an X-factor if he improves in his sophomore season, after a disappointing rookie campaign. Jalen Hurts has options in the passing game, and showed last season that he has the upside to develop into a phenomenal quarterback. The defense is talented but aging. Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, and Darius Slay are each 30 years and older. They are all still viable impact players on defense, but the Eagles need to see contributions from their role players. It will be no easy task for first year head coach Nick Sirianni to put the pieces together and build a winner right away. But this team will be fun to watch.
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| 23. Carolina Panthers |
The Panthers took a low-risk gamble by trading for Sam Darnold from the Jets. Darnold slides into a system led by promising young coach Matt Rhule, and exciting impact players on offense. Christian McCaffrey is the NFL's forgotten superstar after missing 13 games in 2020, and should bring back a familiar excitement into the Panthers offense. DJ Moore and Robby Anderson feature at wide receiver, and make up the best supporting cast of Darnold's young career. The defense is also quite young and scattered with untapped potential. Rookie corner Jaycee Horn joins a secondary already featuring star safety Jeremy Chinn, and the pass rush has potential for a breakout season with the likes of Brian Burns, Haason Reddick, and Derrick Brown. The Panthers could sneak up on people in 2021, and cause some noise in a wide open race for second-best in the NFC South.
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| 22. New York Giants |
Don't look now, but the Giants offense is absolutely loaded. Saquon Barkley is expected to return from a torn ACL, Kenny Golladay steps in as the number one wideout alongside Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton, as well as rookie Kadarius Toney, and Evan Engram at tight end. In spite of an iffy offensive line and questions about the development of Daniel Jones, the offense will surely be exciting to watch. The defense is quietly solid as well, and the secondary is stout. James Bradberry was one of the highest-performing corners in football last season, and will play alongside new signings Adoree' Jackson, Logan Ryan. On paper, the Giants are as balanced and talented as the Washington Football Team, and have the team to contest the division. The onus falls on head coach Joe Judge, who needs to put the pieces together and create a winner out of this roster.
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| 21. Dallas Cowboys |
Dak Prescott is a prime Comeback Player of the Year candidate after going down with an ankle injury last season, and the Cowboys offense is bound for a stellar year. Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Michael Gallup may be the league's most dynamic 3 wideout set. But a once invincible offensive line is not as solid as it once was, apart from Tyron Smith and Zach Martin, and Ezekiel Elliott has seemingly regressed every season since entering the league in 2016. The defense was a major liability in 2020, ranking 31st against the run and 28th in points allowed. The Cowboys sought to address the unit by using their first 6 draft picks on defense, and signing Keanu Neal and Damontae Kazee to solidify the secondary. So long as the defense improves from last season, and Prescott hits the ground running from where he left off, the Cowboys are still in the race for the NFC East. But Mike McCarthy still has much to prove, and has to win the respect of a locker room abundant with personalities.
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| 20. Denver Broncos |
It's now or never for 3rd year quarterback Drew Lock. The Broncos have assembled a high octane offense capable of challenging the Chiefs in the AFC West. Jerry Jeudy is a superstar wide receiver in the making, Noah Fant is a top 10 tight end, and Courtland Sutton and KJ Hamler are explosive threats on the outside, not to mention Melvin Gordon at running back. The offense is loaded, and the defense will be healthier in 2021. Von Miller returns after missing all of last season, lining up opposite Bradley Chubb, and Justin Simmons leads a strong secondary featuring rookie corner Patrick Surtain. The Broncos have a playoff-ready team minus the gaping question mark at quarterback. Veteran Teddy Bridgewater will compete with Lock for the starting job, and push Lock to develop into the franchise quarterback the Broncos are hoping he can become. But until Denver finds stability at quarterback, the Broncos will fall behind in a highly competitive AFC West and congested playoff race.
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| 19. Indianapolis Colts |
I originally ranked the Indianapolis Colts much higher on the rankings, closer to the teams they shared the postseason with in 2020. But the Colts suffered pivotal injuries this week in training camp on offense, each with disturbingly similar roads to recovery. Newly acquired quarterback Carson Wentz will undergo surgery on his left foot, while All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson is being treated for the same ailment. Their recovery timetables range from 5 to 12 weeks, which could be as harmless as missing the remainder of training camp or as volatile as sidelining them through mid-October. Nelson is the best player on the roster, and the unquestioned best at his position. But Wentz missing time is discouragingly impactful on this team's outlook being a first year quarterback in a new system, following a season in which he was one of the NFL's worst performing quarterbacks. The success of the 2021 Colts completely hinges on a career turnaround for Wentz. But throwing Wentz to the wolves after the season starts could spell inconvenient growing pains for the offense. It's also plausible that backup Jacob Eason will not be able to keep the Colts competitive long enough for Wentz to save them. The pressure falls on the likes of Jonathan Taylor, Nyheim Hines, and Marlon Mack to slow the game down for Eason, and to settle down a defense which suddenly has more burden to shoulder as well. If Wentz's recovery stalls, or he doesn't come back at full health, the Colts season will be over before it can even get started.
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| 18. Minnesota Vikings |
The Vikings quietly boast one of the NFL's most dynamic offenses. They finished 4th in yards per game last season, thanks to superstar play from running back Dalvin Cook and rookie receiver Justin Jefferson. Adam Theilen is still a Pro Bowl caliber receiver, and tight end Irv Smith is poised to improve. In spite of the consistent criticism thrown towards quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Vikings have surrounded him with one of the most talented supporting casts in the NFL, and he should have another stellar statistical campaign. Counter to Mike Zimmer football, the defense was atrocious in 2020. Regaining Eric Kendricks and Danielle Hunter at full health could be transformative for them, and signing Patrick Peterson provides much-needed help in the secondary. In order to unseat the Packers at the top of the NFC North, the Vikings are going to have to rattle Aaron Rodgers, and score plenty of points. Modest improvement from the defense and more superstar performances on offense could be enough for a playoff push.
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| 17. Miami Dolphins |
The Dolphins are a team on the rise, and have their sights set on returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Miami's growth, or regression, will directly correlate to the development of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in his 2nd season. His rookie season was unspectacular, but his weapons were similarly impotent in 2020. The Dolphins acquired speedsters on the outside like Will Fuller and Jaylen Waddle to pair with Devante Parker and tight end Mike Geisicki. The offense is poised to improve, and foster Tagovailoa's growth. The defense led the NFL in takeaways last season, but now their best player wants out. Xavien Howard requested a trade from the Dolphins at the start of training camp, and would leave a glaring weakness for Miami if he gets his wish. With Howard, the Dolphins have a fantastic defense. Without him, they will take quite a few steps back. In a highly competitive division, the Dolphins still have a lot to prove, and the possibility of a Howard trade would have consequential ramifications.
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| 16. New Orleans Saints |
For the first time since 2005, Drew Brees will not be quarterbacking for the New Orleans Saints. Either Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill will start under center in 2021, with a fair amount of question marks surrounding them. Star wideout Michael Thomas will miss significant time to start the season after undergoing ankle surgery, leaving behind one of the NFL's worst receiving cores. Marquez Calloway, Tre'Quan Smith, and Chris Hogan pried away from pro lacrosse will have to hold the fort down while Thomas recovers. It helps having one of the league's strongest offensive lines, and they should be able to buy time for receivers to create separation. But it will take unmatched creativity and schematics from head coach Sean Payton to move the chains consistently, and to prevent defenses from shutting down Alvin Kamara, and consequently the entire unit. The defense also lost a number of impact players, including Kwon Alexander, Trey Hendrickson, and Janoris Jenkins. The Saints are a team in transition, and have to find stability at quarterback before even thinking about the playoffs.
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| 15. Washington Football Team |
The home of the NFL's most formidable front 4 and arguably the best all-around defense is the nation's capital. Washington's backbone is their defense, and the front office strengthened it by adding Jamin Davis in the draft and signing William Jackson to play corner. This defense carried the team into the postseason a year ago, and is favored to do it again with what projects to be a much-improved offense. Ryan Fitzpatrick signed as a free agent and faces no competition for the starting gig at quarterback, and has an impressive arsenal around him. Terry McLaurin is a star receiver in the making, and now he can share targets with Curtis Samuel and Adam Humphries. Antonio Gibson in his second season should develop into a star running back as well. This team is capable of winning the NFC East yet again, and the defense is capable of winning a championship. But Fitzpatrick has never been to the playoffs in his career. If that drought is going to end, it's now or never.
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| 14. Seattle Seahawks |
Star quarterback Russell Wilson expressed concerns with Seattle's offseason strategies over the last few years, and the Seahawks proved them to be quite valid this year. The team's answer to woes at offensive line is tackle Gabe Jackson, and they added tight end Gerald Everett and drafted D'Wayne Eskridge at receiver to compensate for an unsettling defense. Bobby Wagner and Jamal Adams are stars, but the other 9 Seahawks defensive starters are remarkably young and inexperienced. Ahkello Witherspoon and DJ Reed starting at corner is especially frightening. On paper, the Seahawks roster is unspectacular and imbalanced. But this has been the case for the last 3 seasons, but Wilson and the offense have been able to overcorrect for a woeful defense with a high scoring offense. But Wilson may have to pull a rabbit out of his hat every week to bring Seattle back into the playoffs this year.
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| 13. Arizona Cardinals |
The Cardinals sought to surround third year quarterback Kyler Murray with the help he needs to lead Arizona to the playoffs, and they did that this offseason. They signed free agents James Conner and AJ Green to bolster their depth on offense, drafted the speedy Rondale Moore, and can still rely on Chase Edmonds out of the backfield and the streaky Christian Kirk. The defense is filled with untapped potential, including the raw linebacker-safety hybrid Isaiah Simmons, and rookie Zaven Collins, who profiles very similarly to Simmons. Former Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler slots in at corner as Patrick Peterson left in free agency. JJ Watt is expected to make an instant impact off the edge, alongside Chandler Jones, but a pair of 32 year old pass rushers is far from guaranteed to work. The sum of Arizona's parts is impressive, but it all comes down to the leadership of head coach Kliff Kingsbury. The jury is still out on whether Kingsbury is capable of guiding this very talented team to the playoffs.
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| 12. Pittsburgh Steelers |
The Pittsburgh Steelers deciding to resign 39 year old quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will shape their season, for better or worse. Roethlisberger's arm strength and mobility are much more limited at this stage of his career, and proved to be the source of the Steelers flaming out at the end of the 2020 season. Drafting Najee Harris in the fist round could breathe life back into the Steelers offense, and infuse much-needed balance from a pass-heavy strategy last season. The Steelers are traditionally at their best when they run the ball proficiently, and Harris may be the solution. Steelers fans should still expect a stellar defensive performance, with superstar caliber players at all 3 levels, including T.J. Watt, Devin Bush, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. But a Super Bowl defense paired with a half-baked offense led by a quarterback past his prime could easily miss the postseason altogether.
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| 11. New England Patriots |
Bill Belichick led the most aggressive offseason agenda of any team in the league this year. After finishing 7-9 and ranking 30th in passing offense, the New England Patriots inked a myriad of skill position free agents including Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Kendrick Bourne, and Nelson Agholor. The Patriots offense will likely run through the ground game and play bully-ball up front, dosed with frequent double tight end sets. Cam Newton is widely expected to keep his job as the starter this season despite the selection of Mac Jones in the draft, and the Patriots expect a healthy Newton to be a far better version of the one they watched in 2020. The limitations and question marks at quarterback are discouraging for the Patriots despite a stronger supporting cast. This team is not to be written off under Belichick's leadership, and they will be a formidable Wild Card contender this season. But inconsistent quarterbacking could just as easily keep them out of the playoffs for a second consecutive year.
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| 10. Los Angeles Chargers |
Few teams have had better offseasons than the Chargers. The team fortified the offensive line by signing All-Pro center Corey Linsley and drafting Rashawn Slater to start at tackle. Reigning Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert is poised for another stellar season under center and should be even better in his second year. Joey Bosa is quietly one of the best pass rushers in the game, and the defense is solid, although cornerback depth behind Chris Harris is concerning. But Derwin James could be the AFC's most impactful X-factor. An All-Pro in his rookie season back in 2018, but injuries have sidelined him the past 2 years. This roster should be considered a playoff lock, but a rookie coaching staff led by Brandon Staley stands as a complete mystery. Their floor is high, and their ceiling is limitless as long as Herbert is throwing the ball.
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| 9. San Francisco 49ers |
Injuries plagued San Francisco's season before it could begin in 2020, but are still one of the NFC's strongest and most balanced contenders. A multi-dimensional offense starring Raheem Mostert, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk, and a Super Bowl defense with a fearsome front 7. The million dollar question is whether Jimmy Garappolo will lead the charge at quarterback after the 49ers drafted Trey Lance. That question will answered in due time, but there are limitations at both quarterback options. Garappolo's inconsistency and Lance's inexperience and underdevelopment restricts the offense and will inevitably cut their season short. The 49ers will be a strong player for the NFC West yet again, but anything beyond a playoff win is far from certain.
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| 8. Los Angeles Rams |
The Rams believe a new face at quarterback can take them to the next level in 2021. After a turbulent season for Rams quarterbacking, enter former Pro Bowler Matthew Stafford. One of the most underrated passers of his generation, Stafford is poised for a career year with the weapons on tap. Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp are as prolific a 1-2 punch at slot receiver in the NFL, and DeSean Jackson is a low risk, high reward outside threat for the passing attack as well. The defense is led by a pair of All-Pros, Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, but lost 4 other starters, as well as their 2020 defensive coordinator, Brandon Staley. Staley's departure could be devastating for a defense which ranked 13th in 2019, and 19th in 2018 and 2017. The defense will inevitably regress, and the pressure will land on the offense to consistently move the chains and score. If Stafford can live up to the price tag the Rams paid to acquire him, this team is set up for another Super Bowl run.
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| 7. Baltimore Ravens |
Lamar Jackson and the NFL's 32nd ranked passing attack from 2020 desperately needed reinforcements in the receiving core. The Ravens responded by signing Sammy Watkins and drafting Rashod Bateman to open up the offense and create separation. The improvements are modest, but even a moderate jump would be a stellar complement to the league's most productive ground game. Until the passing game develops, it remains a weakness for the Ravens. Their offensive line and secondary could also be problematic, particularly the safety duo of Chuck Clark and DeShon Elliott. The narrative surrounding the Ravens remains the same as it has been the last 2 years: a consistent regular season juggernaut, but unproven when it matters.
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| 6. Tennessee Titans |
The firepower available on the Titans offense is terrifying. The offense is led by reigning rushing champion Derrick Henry, who galloped for over 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. They may also feature the most explosive duo at wide receiver in the league, with A.J. Brown and the newly acquired Julio Jones on the other side. Ryan Tannehill is also quietly one of the league's best performing quarterbacks since his trade to Tennessee. The offense is top heavy, and the abundant scoring options could potentially stir an identity crisis. It is easily foreseeable that the Titans veer from running the ball 30 times per game now that Jones is in the offense. The team may need to outscore their opponents in weekly shootouts to be a serious contender, as the defense remains a glaring weakness. The Titans will only be as strong as their weakest link, and 19 sacks in 16 games last regular season could signal yet another first round exit if the defensive line doesn't improve.
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| 5. Green Bay Packers |
The best news for Packers fans at this point in the summer is that Aaron Rodgers is still in fact a Packer. The reigning MVP is reportedly disgruntled with the team and wants out of Green Bay, but has stayed put. The team also retained Aaron Jones and Preston Smith, and expect 2020 opt-out Devin Funchess to feature in the offense along with 3rd round rookie selection Amari Rodgers, and of course All-Pro star wideout Davante Adams. The offense should still be productive after leading the league in scoring last season, and the defense is serviceable. It would be disastrous for the Packers not to win the NFC North, and their sights must be set on winning their first Super Bowl since 2010. The clock is ticking for 37 year old Rodgers.
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| 4. Cleveland Browns |
NFL beware of the Cleveland Browns in 2021. The Browns feature arguably the NFL's strongest offensive line protecting Baker Mayfield, a multi-dimensional offense featuring an unstoppable running back duo with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, and an underrated receiving core. The X-factor that could open the floodgates for the Browns is Odell Beckham, Jr. If healthy, Beckham is among the most explosive playmakers in the league with the ball in his hands. The Browns finished 11-5 and won a playoff game without him in 2020, so imagine the impact he could have in 2021. This is unequivocally the most talented roster in the AFC North. The question is whether the defense, which could see as many as 7 new starters, can put the pieces together in time for the new season and perform well as a unit. The Browns allowed 59 points in 2 playoff games last year, and must see improvement from that side of the ball to challenge the Chiefs.
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| 3. Buffalo Bills |
Josh Allen's monstrous development has transformed the Buffalo Bills franchise, and should have Bills fans dreaming of even more in 2021. Stefon Diggs is among the NFL's most dangerous receiving threats, and he opens up passing lanes for Cole Beasley, Gabriel Davis, and the newly signed Emmanuel Sanders. The defense should surpass their 2020 performance which was subpar for most of the season. The only way of dethroning the Chiefs to reach the next step is putting pressure on the opposing quarterback. The Bills drafted two defensive linemen at the top of last year's draft in Gregory Rousseau and Carlos Basham, Jr., and expect them both to contribute to a sporadic defensive line rotation. If the Bills can complement a talented secondary with a formidable pass rush, this team is even better than their 2020 selves.
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| 2. Kansas City Chiefs |
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have dominated the AFC for 3 years, but they were completely exploited in the Super Bowl by the Bucs. The Chiefs front office responded by acquiring the likes of Orlando Brown and Joe Thuney on the left side, and are expected to play 4 new starters on the line Week 1. Kansas City's most glaring weakness was pass protection, albeit their left and right tackle missed the Super Bowl due to injuries. But the Chiefs have turned the line into arguably their greatest strength. Mahomes with extra time in the pocket is deadly for the rest of the AFC. The depth in offensive skill positions trailing Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce could be problematic, but stopping this offense is easier said than done. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Chiefs suit up on Super Bowl Sunday for a 3rd consecutive time this season.
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| 1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
The boys are back in town in Tampa Bay, and they're looking to run it back in 2021. After winning the Super Bowl, the Bucs are returning all 22 starters next season. Tom Brady at 44 years old should play much better this regular season than he did last, unlock stronger chemistry with the weapons around him, and cut down from his 11 interceptions in the first 12 games in 2020. With a year under his belt playing in Bruce Arians' scheme under his belt, Brady should be even better than last year, as scary as it sounds, especially coming off a season in which he played with a torn MCL. The outstanding defense which paved the way for the Bucs in the Super Bowl is also still a dominant force, and is capable of shutting down the best offenses in the league. Until they're defeated, the Bucs are the best football team around.
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