2021 NFL Power Rankings: Pre-Training Camp 4.0
In part 4 of my 2021 Pre-Training Camp NFL Power Rankings column, I will discuss the rest of the teams that will be vying for playoff sports in December. In addition, I will also let you know the clubs that will be clambering for Conference Championships and the frontrunners for Super Bowl 56. Let’s take a look at who these teams are in my 2021 NFL Power Rankings: Pre-Training Camp 4.0.
Tier 2: Championship Sunday Aspirations
8. Dallas Cowboys — 9.5 (O +107 / U -130)
While some may be shocked I have the Cowboys opening the “Championship Sunday Aspirations” tier, don’t be. They are getting QB Dak Prescott back from his gruesome season-ending ankle injury suffered last year against the Giants. They will also have their offensive line healthy and intact.
We know what Dallas’ offense is capable of. I don’t need to say much about that. However, the Dallas defense could shock some people. If you remember back when Patrick Mahomes had his terrific MVP year but the Chiefs were bounced from the playoffs, they had a top-five offense and a bottom-five defense. The next year, they added Steve Spagnaulo as defensive coordinator and elevated to a middle-of-the-pack unit that got hot late, ultimately resulting in a Super Bowl victory.
Well, the Cowboys had a bottom-five defense last year and their offense has top-five upside. This offseason, Dallas brought in Dan Quinn to run their defense while adding a handful of assets to that side of the ball, especially in the draft. Speaking of the draft, they selected LB Micah Parsons, who is touted as the best defensive player from this class. In fact, the Cowboy spent most of their draft on defensive assets. I am not saying they will be a top-half unit, but if they can get to the middle, it could be good enough for them to make a run.
7. Los Angeles Rams — 10.5 (O +103 / U -125)
The Rams are a team that could fall back in my rankings. This offseason, they lost key defensive assets that include DC Brandon Staley, S John Johnson, CB Troy Hill, and pass rusher Michael Brockers. 2020’s No. 1 overall defense that allowed a league-low 18.5 PPG took some hits. Offensively, it’s all about QB Matthew Stafford and how HC Sean McVay will utilize him. We expect a passing frenzy.
We expect usage from their pair of talented running backs. But I don’t expect immediate success, even though many do. There is a reason why Stafford has never won a playoff game. Sure, he played with the Lions, but if a quarterback is that good, he would be able to overcome the worst of situations right? At least that is how the story was always told. Some think they can wish success on Stafford. That is not reality. Stafford will play well and the Rams will be a good team. But I am not even close to being ready to anoint them as a legit contender. They are more fringe-worthy than anything else.
6. Green Bay Packers — no win-total set
Normally, I would have the Packers higher. However, we don’t know the status of QB Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is still on the team, but we’re not sure if he will show up and play when it matters. Without Rodgers, the Packers are in trouble. They will likely turn to Jordan Love if Rodgers sits out or is traded, an unlikely scenario at this juncture. But with him, the packers are in the conversation for one of the teams to be playing on Championship Sunday. They were there in two consecutive seasons. They could be there again if Rodgers shows.
5. Cleveland Browns — 10.5 (O +100 / U -121)
I’m in on the Browns. However, I am not ready to put them ahead of Baltimore or Buffalo. I need to see it again from Baker Mayfield, who is north of seven months removed from leading the Browns to their first postseason victory in quite some time. Coach of the Year candidate Kevin Stefanski has this team trending upwards and the sky is the limit behind his top-end rushing attack. The offense will also get Odell Beckham Jr. back from injury. Remember, they made their 2020 run without him. ‘
Last season, the Browns had one glaring issue. Defense, more so, the secondary, due to injuries to CB Greedy Williams and CB Denzel Ward. In the offseason, the Browns went to work. Not only did they use their first two picks in the draft on defense assets — CB Greg Newsome in the first and hybrid Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah in the second — but they also landed CB Troy Hill, S John Johnson, and Jadeveon Clowney in free agency. Both Hill and Johnson defected from the Rams’ No. 1 pass defense in 2020. As long as their secondary can remain healthy and intact, the Browns are primed for a deep run in 2021.
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4. Baltimore Ravens — 10.5 (O -155 / U +12
The Ravens just might be the most complete team in the NFL. From top to bottom, I can’t find a hole in their roster. All three levels — offense, defense, special teams — are filled with notable studs. The Ravens made key moves on their offensive line. Importantly, adding Alejandro Villanueva at right tackle, a tremendous blow to the Steelers, G Kevin Zeitler, and rookie guard Ben Cleveland. They made a strength stronger.
The one weakness the Ravens had was at receiver. Wideout is no longer a detriment in the wake of bringing in Sammy Watkins and Rashod Bateman to line up in three-wide sets alongside Marquise Brown. For the first time in his career, QB Lamar Jackson has more than two reliable pass-catching options. If Jackson could put it all together as a passer, the Ravens are a legit contender for Tampa Bay’s crown. Oh year, they field a top-five defense too, especially in the secondary.
3. Buffalo Bills — 11 (O -110 / U -110)
I may not like the way the Bills win football games — they need to run more, especially in the postseason — but they win football games. Buffalo is a team without many holes. Their biggest issue, which was at pass-rusher, was revolved in the NFL draft, selecting Gregory Rousseau and Carlos Basham in the first and second round respectively. However, Buffalo’s biggest offseason move, to me, was re-signing LB Matt Milano. Although linebacker is a forgotten position, the Bills were a different defense in games he played versus games he didn’t. There was roughly a 10 point swing in those contests last season.
]Offensively, the Josh Allen-led passing attack is amongst the best in the NFL. While they lost WR John Brown, they signed Emmanuel Sanders, who seemingly is always in the playoffs no matter what logo is on his helmet. They also have impending second-year wideout Gabriel Davis expecting to emerge. Allen’s year three leap was borderline historical. He increased 10+ points in completion percentage and just over a full yard in yards per attempt. He also nearly doubled his touchdown total passing. Barring a regression, which is a realistic expectation, the Bills will be vying for a Super Bowl in 2021.
Tier 1: Super Bowl Favorites
2. Kansas City Chiefs — 12.5 (O +123 / U -150)
It is hard not to put the Chiefs at No. 2. But hear me out. They lost the Super Bowl due to horrendous offensive line play stemming from injuries to their tackles, exposing QB Patrick Mahomes as a human being. Then, at the start of the offseason, they cut down their offensive line talent. What are they doing? Well, not too long thereafter, the Chiefs GM Brett Veach went to work. Completely revamping Kansas City’s line, acquiring LT Orlando Brown from the Ravens while adding IOL Austin Blythe LG Joe Thuney, and RG Kyle Long in free agency. They will also get OG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, who opted out last season, back as well.
With their line in check, I will say that the Chiefs have question marks at wide receiver behind Tyreek Hill in the wake of the loss of Sammy Watkins. While Watkins didn’t always out up the big numbers, he was a crafty veteran wideout who could block and draw the pass interference calls to extend drives. On defense, the Chiefs could take a step back. I don’t trust the personnel. Still, despite their handicaps, the Chiefs are a difficult team to beat with Mahomes and HC Andy Reid calling the shots. They can go toe-to-toe with anyone, especially when their front five is intact.
1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 11.5 (O -125 / U +103
Miraculously, the Buccaneers are returning every starter from their 2020 Super Bowl team in historical fashion. Not to mention the fact that they are also getting TE O.J. Howard back from injury. To say Tampa is loaded is an understatement. I won’t say much here. Unless QB Tom Brady falls off the proverbial cliff and/ or Father Time finally catches up to him — not happening — the Buccaneers are my bonafide favorite to repeat as Super Bowl Champions.
I hope you enjoyed my 2021 Pre-Training Camp NFL Power Rankings. What do you agree or disagree with? Let me know @therealnflguru on Twitter.
Stay tuned for my next2021 NFL Power Rankings update in August.
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