NFL power rankings: 5 best bets to go worst-to-first
These five teams have the best chance to go from worst-to-first in their divisiosn in our NFL power rankings.
5. Denver Broncos
It might be a shock seeing Denver on this NFL power rankings list, but hear us out. The Broncos have a very good roster without a top-tier quarterback, although Teddy Bridgewater is a significantly better option than the interception-happy Drew Lock. While Denver isn’t on the same level as the Kansas City Chiefs, it is good enough to either overtake or compete with the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers. Should the Chiefs deal with a litany of injuries, the Broncos are intriguing.
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4. Atlanta Falcons
Another team which might surprise some being on the list, but the Falcons have real talent. Quarterback Matt Ryan is an above-average player at the league’s most-important position and he’s a former MVP. Atlanta also has receiver Calvin Ridley and rookie tiger end Kyle Pitts. If first-year head coach Arthur Smith can get the offense into high gear, the Falcons could be good, and while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are defending champs, they’re also old. Maybe injuries and some regression is due for Tampa?
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
This is about Trevor Lawrence and a horrendous division. The Tennessee Titans could be good, but they could also fall because of a bad defense. Beyond Tennessee, the Houston Texans are quite possibly the worst team in the league, and the Indianapolis Colts have dealt with the summer from hell. Jacksonville would essentially need Lawrence to be great, first-year head coach Urban Meyer to show competence, and the defense to not completely destroy all hope.
Read: Dak Prescott Says He’s Healthy Before Buccaneers Game
2. Philadelphia Eagles
It could be a total mess in Philadelphia this year. The Eagles are relying on second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is starting full-time this season after moonlighting at the end of 2020. Meanwhile, head coach Nick Sirianni is taking the reins for the first time in his career. Perhaps the pairing of the two is a disaster, but if it goes well, Philadelphia is a sleeper to win the league’s worst division in the NFC West.
1. San Francisco 49ers
Easy choice. The 49ers were ravaged by injuries in 2020 and finished 6-10. Of course, the year before they were minutes away from beating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV. With a loaded roster, San Francisco has a chance to retake the NFC West. It won’t be easy, though, as the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks are excellent, while the Arizona Cardinals are also a playoff contender.
