NFL: 5 teams poised to disappoint in 2021
Which NFL teams who made the playoffs in 2020 take a step back in 2021? Here are five premium candidates for regression.
5. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have one of the better rosters in the league, but there are looming issues. The AFC North is one of the best in the league, with the Cleveland Browns on the rise and both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals capable of winning any divisional game. Furthermore, Baltimore hasn’t added an elite, proven receiver on the outside, something which has been its kryptonite in the postseason. The Ravens also have a brutal schedule, including tough NFC dates.
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4. Los Angeles Rams
Any team in the NFC West is in for a rough ride this season. The division is the league’s best, with the Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers all potential playoff teams. For Los Angeles, the loss of running back Cam Akers to a torn Achilles is a tough blow. As are the offseason departures of safety John Johnson III, edge rusher Michael Brockers and corner Troy Hill. The Rams have hope with Matthew Stafford under center, but can he lift them to a deep playoff run?
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have the best roster in football. So why are they on the list, considering they’re the defending champs and returning every starter? Age and injuries. Last year, Tampa Bay was one of the NFL’s healthiest teams despite being one of its oldest. It’s tough to bet on all Tampa’s 30+ year-old stars to stay on the field, ranging from linebacker Lavonte David, tight end Rob Gronkowski and quarterback Tom Brady to edge rusher Jason Pierre-Paul, receiver Antonio Brown and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
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2. Indianapolis Colts
Why are we all so sure Carson Wentz is going to be an upgrade over Philip Rivers? After all, the Philadelphia Eagles benched him last year for Jalen Hurts and then ate $34 million in dead cap to trade him away. The Colts are also without elite talent on the perimeter, and the defense watched Justin Houston and Denico Autry both leave in free agency (Houston remains unsigned). The Colts have talent, but the idea of them as a title contender is far-fetched.
1. Green Bay Packers
Down have to go in-depth here? Aaron Rodgers wants out, Davante Adams saw contract talks break off, and the defense is still average at best. Seems like a recipe for angst and discontent in Green Bay this year.
