Welcome to the first-ever piece of our FFfaceoff Pre-Season Top-10 Power Rankings. Each week during the NFL season, I will rank the top ten teams in the NFL. This list will be very fluid and always changing just like the NFL is. As we head into training camp after an exciting off-season between the NFL Draft and free agency, let’s discuss the top ten teams in the NFL.
10) Miami Dolphins
The biggest question mark on this team is Tua Tagovailoa. In 2020, the Dolphins fell a little short of reaching the playoffs. During the draft and free agency, General Manager Chris Grier of the Dolphins loaded Tagovailoa up with playmakers and offensive line help. Tagovailoa and rookie wideout Jaylen Waddle do have chemistry from their days at Alabama, which could be a fun combination to watch. Grier didn’t forget about head coach Brian Flores as he was giving some additions on defense that should help make the squad a menace again.
9) Indianapolis Colts
The Colts came close to defeating the Bills during the Wild Card weekend last year. The reason they didn’t win was recently retired, Philip Rivers. I love Colts chances to win the AFC South, especially with Carson Wentz who has a chip on his shoulder and all the reason in the world to prove himself. Wentz had very little pass protection and playmakers his last few years with the Philadelphia Eagles and we’ve seen a lot of promise at times. There will be very few excuses for Wentz especially with the recent addition of left tackle, Eric Fisher, and big-time playmakers on the team.
8) San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are an extremely dangerous team when everyone is healthy. The NFC West is a very competitive division, but I expect the 49ers to be in the thick of things with the Rams. The 49ers did however lose a few major coaching contributors from the Kyle Shanahan tree. If Jimmy Garoppolo goes down in 2021, the 49ers playoff hopes might just be hanging on the young shoulders of rookie quarterback Trey Lance.
7) Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens will bring back a top-five defense this season. To keep up the surging Browns, they will need more from Lamar Jackson. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta helped out Jackson by adding Sammy Watkins and Rashod Bateman to the roster. The Ravens have definitely been doing their part trying to get some offensive weapons for this offense. If Jackson can find balance passing and running the ball, he will make a run at another MVP title.
6) Los Angeles Rams
If you can run fast, you might be a perfect fit for Sean McVay’s team. Except for Matthew Stafford. But what Stafford doesn’t have in speed he makes up for with arm talent. He just might be the guy to run this offense in a way that will bring the Lombardi trophy to So Cal.
5) Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen made tremendous strides in year three, and a big part of that was thanks to the addition of Stefon Diggs. The Bills didn’t do much to address the run game, but they did make their pass rush better through the Draft. Josh Allen and company will need to get a lot better if they want to get past Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
4) Green Bay Packers
This Packers team can be described as a beautiful mystery. The mystery lies beneath the uncertainty if Aaron Rodgers will be on the Packers or not. When I mentioned this list will be fluid and ever-changing, this was the team I had in mind. Their success lies solely on Rodgers. If he isn’t wearing the green and yellow come September, the Packers will be off this list. It is up to the front office to beg and plead to keep Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay in 2021 if they want to have a shot at the Super Bowl.
3) Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are one of the most complete teams in the NFL. Let’s not forgot on January 17, 2021, they came close to ending the Chiefs season. Baker Mayfield matured in year three and the defense got better from last year. Rookie head coach Kevin Stefanski did a tremendous job last season. There is tons of pressure for Stefanski to avoid a sophomore slump and for Mayfield to prove he is more than just a game manager. Look for Browns to make a run at the Super Bowl by winning in the trenches and on the ground with the dangerous duo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.
2) Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs came up just short of their pursuit of back-to-back Super Bowl victories. The weakness from last season’s Super Bowl defeat was the offensive line. That was taken care of with recent additions of Pro Bowlers Orlando Brown and Joe Thuney. Barring any major injuries, the Chiefs will be back to the AFC Championship game for 4th straight season.
1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Who else would be number one other than then-defending Super Bowl Champs Tampa Bay Buccaneers? If there’s one thing I’ve learned since watching football since Tom Brady entered the league, it’s not to bet against him. The Bucs are bringing the band back together to try and become the first back-to-back Super Bowl champs since the Patriots did it in 2003 and 2004. Every starter on the offense and the defense is back, which has never happened before. Brady’s biggest motivation this season is an undefeated one.
