NFL power rankings: Looking at NFC 16-1
We finally made to Week 1 of the 2021 regular season. Here’s our NFL power rankings for the NFC side of things.
16. Detroit Lions
The Houston Texans might be worse because of the incredible dysfunction, but the Lions are the least-talented team in football.
15. Philadelphia Eagles
If Jalen Hurts is a terrific quarterback, this ranking could look foolish, but he’s not surrounded by much.
14. New York Giants
Daniel Jones has ample weapons to work with, but he consistently turns the ball over and the offensive line is a mess.
13. Atlanta FalconsÂ
There will be plenty fo scoring in Falcons games, on both sides.
12. Carolina PanthersÂ
Can head coach Matt Rhule get Sam Darnold to be the player he was at USC? If the answer is yes, the Panthers have something cooking.
11. Chicago Bears
Put Justin Fields in the game and don’t look back.
10. Dallas CowboysÂ
If Dak Prescott is fully healthy from his ankle and shoulder injuries, the Cowboys are going to have a path to the playoffs.
9. Washington Football Team
The offense could be scattershot with Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm, but the defense has a chance to be the best unit in football.
8. New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees out, Jameis Winston in. If the Saints are going to win, they need to rely on the deep ball, a ton of Alvin Kamara running the ball and a good defense.
7. Arizona CardinalsÂ
The Cardinals might be a playoff-caliber team but it’s a tough road in the brutal NFC West. They’ll need quarterback Kyler Murray to be great.
6. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have a ton of talent offensively and defensively, but can Kirk Cousins make sure they win the easy games and steal a few of the tougher ones?
5. San Francisco 49ers
Who is the quarterback in Week 1? In Week 8? Whoever it is simply needs to steer the ship and allow it to stay the course.
4. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams could win the Super Bowl, but is Matthew Stafford the man to lead them there? Los Angeles might be the contender with the widest range of outcomes.
3. Seattle SeahawksÂ
Picking between the top three NFC West teams was tough, but take the best quarterback. The Seahawks have him in Russell Wilson.
2. Green Bay Packers
The Packers are thinner up front, didn’t add a playmaker and the defense is average… but they have Aaron Rodgers.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Until further notice, the Buccaneers are the champs with Tom Brady and the league’s best roster.
