NFL power rankings: Best team in NFC after draft
The 2021 NFL Draft is in the past, and now we look at the NFL power rankings and how the NFC stacks up.
16. Detroit Lions
Even with Jared Goff coming back in the trade of Matthew Stafford, this I going to be a long, long rebuild. Detroit is essentially starting from the bottom.
15. Philadelphia Eagles
If Jalen Hurts proves to be the franchise quarterback in Philadelphia, the Eagles could rise up the ranks soon. However, if he’s not, we’re looking at another fresh start in 2022.
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14. Carolina Panthers
This is based on the notion Sam Darnold is bad until he isn’t anymore. The Panthers have some weapons and the defense is loaded with young potential, but that’s not enough.
13. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have a ton of playmakers on offense and a good quarterback, but the defense remains a mess and we have no idea how the new coaching staff will do.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott is coming back, but that is far from the cure with this team. Can Mike McCarthy coach his way to the playoffs? Will the defense decide to earn its collective paycheck? Tough to say.
11. Chicago Bears
If Justin Fields comes in and starts right away, perhaps the Bears should be ranked a bit higher. However, even if he does, he’s a rookie quarterback in a tough division with a lack of weaponry.
10. Washington Football Team
Washington has a very nice front seven and a smart coach in Ron Rivera. However, the Football Team is trotting out Ryan Fitzpatrick as its starting quarterback. Not great.
9. New York Giants
Love all the weapons around Daniel Jones. Even though the Giants went 6-10 last year, there’s a real chance we see a jump of 2-3 wins and an NFC East crown if Jones limits the turnovers.
8. Arizona Cardinals
Can Kliff Kingsbury simply get this tam to perform to its potential? If he can, the Cardinals are good enough to compete in the loaded NFC West behind quarterback Kyler Murray.
Read: Los Angeles Chargers Could Be AFC’s Wildcard Contender
7. New Orleans Saints
This is all about the quarterbacks. Can Taysom Hill and/or Jameis Winston get it done?
6. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings go under the radar, but the defense is better and the offense has a trio of stars i receivers Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, and running back Dalvin Cook.
5. Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford instantly gives the Rams a higher ceiling, but can the defense maintain its dominant status after some key losses in free agency and the departure of coordinator Brandon Staley?
4. San Francisco 49ers
People forget how badly the 49ers were injured last year. If Jimmy Garoppolo, George Kittle and Nick Bosa return to form, this is a Super Bowl contender.
3. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks didn’t trade Russell Wilson despite his public overtures, and now they’re positioned to contend for another title. This is one of the deeper teams in recent years there.
2. Green Bay Packers
Will the Packers trade Aaron Rodgers? If not, they can win it all.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The defending champs brought back the whole team. If they stay healthy, they top the NFL power rankings and they’re the favorites in the NFC; at minimum.
