NFL power rankings: 5 NFC sleepers to watch
The NFC has many teams who could reach the playoffs. As we look at the NFL Power Rankings, here are five which missed last year to watch in 2021.
5. Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray is one of the best young quarterbacks in the game, and he helped Arizona to an 8-8 campaign last year. While the NFC West is very tough, the Cardinals have talent across the board, infused by a trio of veteran stars in center Rodney Hudson, receiver A.J. Green and edge rusher J.J. Watt. If those additions come through, and Arizona sees a leap in Murray during his third pro season, there’s reason to believe the Cards can make a run.
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4. Chicago Bears
This is completely signing on when Justin Fields takes over the starting role. Right now, veteran Andy Dalton is under center, taking the starting snaps and enjoying perhaps one last run before holding a clipboard prior to eventual retirement. Chicago doesn’t have much in the way of proven weapons save for wide receiver Allen Robinson, and so Fields’ ability to make plays with both his arms and legs are badly needed. If he bursts onto the scene, Chicago’s defense and Fields could be enough for a playoff berth.
3. New York Giants
Can Daniel Jones stop turning the ball over? If so, the Giants have a ton of talent ranging from receivers Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney, Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton to tight ends Kyle Rudolph and Evan Engram, and running back Saquon Barkley. The defense should also be solid, anchored by middle linebacker Blake Martinez and corner James Bradberry. In the weak NFC East, Big Blue would have a shot to host a playoff game.
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2. Dallas Cowboys
Speaking of the NFC East, let’s look at the Cowboys. Dallas has a trio of quality receivers in second-year man CeeDee Lamb, and veterans Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup. With Dak Prescott back in the fold after missing the final 11 games of the 2020 season with a gruesome ankle injury, Dallas should have one of the league’s best offenses. If the defense can improve to even borderline respectable, that’s enough for the Cowboys to win 10 games or so.
1. Minnesota Vikings
Few teams have more talent than the Vikings in the NFL power rankings. Minnesota has a trio of excellent weapons in running back Dalvin Cook and receivers Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson. If the defense steps up after a down 2020, the Vikings should threaten the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North, who had the most acrimonious offseason of any NFL team.
