NFL power rankings: 5 toughest places to play
In this edition of NFL power rankings, we’re looking at the five hardest places to play for an opponent going into 2021.
5. Heinz Field
The Pittsburgh Steelers faltered at the end of last season, but Heinz Field remains one of the toughest places to play in the game. Pittsburgh has long been one of the league’s best teams, almost going 20 years without a losing record. In that time, the Steelers have won a pair of Super Bowls and the backbone has largely been playing phenomenal ball at home. Going into 2021, it remains one of the toughest road wins to nab in football.
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4. Lambeau Field
The Green Bay Packers enjoyed tremendous play at home last year before falling in the NFC Championship Game to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Still, that doesn’t take away from what was one of the best venues going. Well, if you were Green Bay. Better yet, the Packers enjoy a tremendous advantage once the weather turns, with indoor and warm-weather opponents being shellshocked by the snow and freezing temperatures.
3. Qwest Field
One of the loudest stadiums in the league. The Seattle Seahawks have been a model franchise for a decade, and a ton of their success has been based in being a dominant home team. Seattle held the record for the World’s Loudest Outdoor Stadium for awhile — we’ll get to the current record holder in a second — and it comes across whether in person or on television. The Seahawks should retain said home-field advantage this year with the fans back after a year away.
Read: Dwayne Haskins Has Chance To Revive His Career With Steelers
2. Highmark Stadium
You might be wondering who plays at Highmark Stadium, and you would be forgiven. This is the new name of the Buffalo Bills’ digs, where the AFC runner-up is looking to take the next step in 2021. With full crowds returning and the typical Buffalo weather almost assuredly to follow, the Bills have one of the most menacing buildings in the NFL, especially come December and January. Going into western New York will be no small task for any opponent.
1. Arrowhead Stadium
This has to top this NFL power rankings list. First, it’s the loudest outdoor stadium, at over 142 decibels of sound. Second, the Kansas City Chiefs are the odds-on favorite to not only win the AFC for the third stadium season, but to win a second Super Bowl in that span. Beating Patrick Mahomes and Co. is tough enough. Doing it when you can’t hear is unfair.
