NFL POWER RANKINGS: Where all 32 teams stand as the 2021 season kicks off
Tyler Lauletta,Scott Davis
- The 2021 NFL season is here!
- The Bucs and Chiefs, last year's Super Bowl teams, sit atop the league entering the season.
- Teams like the Packers, Bills, Rams, Ravens, and Titans follow closely behind.
32. Houston Texans
2020 record: 4-12
Super Bowl odds: 500/1
Big additions: Tyrod Taylor (QB), Phillip Lindsay (RB), David Culley (head coach)
Big departures: J.J. Watt (DE), Duke Johnson (RB), Will Fuller (WR), Randall Cobb (WR)
One thing to know: Houston doesn't seem like a great place to be right now. Quarterback Deshaun Watson's status for the season is still up in the air, as he faces 22 lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct. Tyrod Taylor is set to take the first snaps of the season for the Texans.
31. Detroit Lions
2020 record: 5-11
Super Bowl odds: 500/1
Big additions: Jared Goff (QB), Tyrell Williams (WR), Jamaal Williams (RB), Dan Campbell (head coach)
Big departures: Matthew Stafford (QB), Kenny Golladay (WR), Marvin Jones (WR), Everson Griffen (DE), Danny Shelton (DT), Matt Patricia (head coach)
One thing to know: The Lions pulled the plug on the Matthew Stafford era and the Matt Patricia era this offseason. Jared Goff represents something of a reclamation project for a franchise clearly in transition under new head coach Dan Campbell.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars
2020 record: 1-15
Super Bowl odds: 100/1
Big additions: Trevor Lawrence (QB), Shaquill Griffin (CB), Marvin Jones Jr. (WR)
Big departures: Gardner Minshew (QB), Keelan Cole (WR), Dede Westbrook (WR)
One thing to know: The new era is set to begin in Jacksonville thanks to the arrival of rookie phenom quarterback Trevor Lawrence and head coach Urban Meyer. Even with the upgrades at quarterback and coach, chances are the Jaguars will need a bit of time before they are striking fear into the hearts of their AFC opponents.
29. New York Jets
2020 record: 2-14
Super Bowl odds: 100/1
Big additions: Zach Wilson (QB), Corey Davis (WR), Sheldon Rankins (DT), Robert Saleh (head coach)
Big departures: Sam Darnold (QB)
One thing to know: Are things finally looking up for the Jets? Robert Saleh was a widely praised head-coaching hire, and rookie quarterback Zach Wilson was given the starting job without a second thought. There's new hope in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
28. Atlanta Falcons
2020 record: 4-12
Super Bowl odds: 100/1
Big additions: Kyle Pitts (TE), Mike Davis (RB), Arthur Smith (head coach)
Big departures: Julio Jones (WR), Todd Gurley (RB)
One thing to know: Matt Ryan is still steering the ship in Atlanta, but a lot has changed since the Falcons collapse against the Patriots four years ago in Super Bowl LI. Most notably, superstar wideout Julio Jones is gone, leaving the Falcons offense with a huge gap to fill. Rookie tight end Kyle Pitts will be an important part of keeping Atlanta moving downfield this year.
27. Cincinnati Bengals
2020 record: 4-11-1
Super Bowl odds: 200/1
Big additions: Trey Hendrickson (DT), Riley Reiff (OT), Ja'Marr Chase (WR)
Big departures: A.J. Green (WR), Carl Lawson (DE), Geno Atkins (DT)
One thing to know: This season is about getting Joe Burrow back on the field from an ACL tear and getting him acquainted with the Bengals' young offensive core. But given Zac Taylor's 6-25-1 record in two seasons as head coach, there will likely be some pressure on Cincinnati to make some meaningful strides, too.
26. Chicago Bears
2020 record: 8-8
Super Bowl odds: 80/1
Big additions: Justin Fields (QB), Andy Dalton (QB), Marquise Goodwin (WR)
Big departures: Mitch Trubisky (QB), Anthony Miller (WR)
One thing to know: The Chicago Bears made a play for their future at the NFL Draft this year, moving up to the 11th pick to take Justin Fields out of Ohio State. But head coach Matt Nagy isn't ready to move forward with the new guy just yet, turning to veteran Andy Dalton for the Bears' first game of the season. Don't expect to wait too long to see Fields make his debut.
25. Philadelphia Eagles
2020 record: 4-11-1
Super Bowl odds: 100/1
Big additions: DeVonta Smith (WR), Nick Sirianni (head coach)
Big departures: Carson Wentz (QB), Doug Pederson (head coach)
One thing to know: Things went off the rails last year in Philadelphia, leading to trading Carson Wentz and firing Doug Pederson. After an intriguing finish to the season, it's Jalen Hurts' show on offense this year in what looks to be a rebuilding season for the Eagles.
24. New York Giants
2020 record: 6-10
Super Bowl odds: 100/1
Big additions: Kenny Golladay (WR), Adoree' Jackson (CB), Kadarius Toney (WR)
Big departures: Colt McCoy (QB), Wayne Gallman (RB), Golden Tate (WR)
One thing to know: Superstar running back Saquon Barkley hopes to bounce back this year after a knee injury cut his 2020 campaign short. Barkley is as unstoppable as any back in the league at the peak of his powers, but it remains to be seen if he still has that sort of explosiveness coming back from his injury.
23. Carolina Panthers
2020 record: 5-11
Super Bowl odds: 80/1
Big additions: Sam Darnold (QB), A.J. Bouye (CB), Haason Reddick (LB)
Big departures: Teddy Bridgewater (QB), Curtis Samuel (WR), Mike Davis (RB), Russell Okung (OT)
One thing to know: The Panthers struggled to score the ball last year, finishing with under 20 points six times. With Christian McCaffrey healthy and Sam Darnold in town, the Panthers will take advantage of a talented offensive core.
22. Denver Broncos
2020 record: 5-11
Super Bowl odds: 40/1
Big additions: Teddy Bridgewater (QB), Ronald Darby (CB)
Big departures: A.J. Bouye (CB), Phillip Lindsay (RB), DaeSean Hamilton (WR)
One thing to know: The Broncos are turning to journeyman quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to take the offense's reins this year. Between receivers Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and KJ Hamler, as well as tight end Noah Fant, he'll have plenty of talented teammates to target.
21. Minnesota Vikings
2020 record: 7-9
Super Bowl odds: 40/1
Big additions: Patrick Peterson (CB)
Big departures: Kyle Rudolph (TE), Anthony Harris (S)
One thing to know: For the last seven years, the Vikings have alternated between double-digit wins and 7- or 8-win seasons. So, the pattern tells us the Vikings should be looking at a 10-plus win season this year. It's certainly possible, but it'll require better health, a better-than-average Kirk Cousins season, and a bounceback from a once-dominant defense.
20. New Orleans Saints
2020 record: 12-4
Super Bowl odds: 40/1
Big additions: Chris Hogan (WR)
Big departures: Drew Brees (QB), Jared Cook (TE), Janoris Jenkins (CB), Emmanuel Sanders (WR)
One thing to know: With Drew Brees off to retirement, the Saints are turning to Jameis Winston as their new starting quarterback. The last time Winston was a regular starter, he led the league in both passing yards and interceptions.
19. New England Patriots
2020 record: 7-9
Super Bowl odds: 20/1
Big additions: Mac Jones (QB), Jonnu Smith (TE), Hunter Henry (TE), Nelson Agholor (WR), Trent Brown (OT), Matthew Judon (LB)
Big departures: Cam Newton (QB), Julian Edelman (WR), Marcus Cannon (OT), Jason McCourty (CB), Joe Thuney (OG)
One thing to know: It's a big year for Bill Belichick to prove his football genius. The Patriots led the league in free agency spending in a pricey offseason that didn't include major splashes. He also cut Cam Newton and turned the offense over to rookie QB Mac Jones.
18. Las Vegas Raiders
2020 record: 8-8
Super Bowl odds: 60/1
Big additions: Kenyan Drake (RB), John Brown (WR), Gerald McCoy (DT)
Big departures: Nelson Agholor (WR), Rodney Hudson (C), Trent Brown (OT)
One thing to know: Tight end Darren Waller proved last year that he is one of the most talented offensive weapons in the league, coming down with 107 receptions, 1,196 yards, and nine touchdowns. Waller's 1,196 yards receiving was good for 10th among all players in the NFL and second among tight ends trailing only Travis Kelce.
17. Washington Football Team
2020 record: 7-9
Super Bowl odds: 30/1
Big additions: Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB), Curtis Samuel (WR)
Big departures: Alex Smith (QB), Ryan Kerrigan (DE)
One thing to know: There is a buzz around the Washington Football Team, thanks to the addition of Ryan Fitzpatrick. His competent QB play may help elevate offensive talent like Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Antonio Gibson, and Lance Thomas. With a stout defensive front, WFT no longer looks like pushovers.
16. Miami Dolphins
2020 record: 10-6
Super Bowl odds: 40/1
Big additions: Malcolm Brown (RB), Will Fuller (WR)
Big departures: Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB), Matt Breida (RB), Shaq Lawson (DE)
One thing to know: Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa enters his second NFL season as the starter, this time without backup Ryan Fitzpatrick to come in as his support if he falters on the field.
15. Indianapolis Colts
2020 record: 11-5
Super Bowl odds: 30/1
Big additions: Carson Wentz (QB)
Big departures: Philip Rivers (QB), Malik Hooker (S), Justin Houston (DE)
One thing to know: The Colts brought back a solid defensive core and are hoping Carson Wentz can reclaim some of his 2017 glory to lead a talented but inexperienced offense. But with Wentz coming back from foot surgery and having a brush-up with COVID-19 protocols, the campaign isn't off to a good start.
14. Los Angeles Chargers
2020 record: 7-9
Super Bowl odds: 30/1
Big additions: Jared Cook (TE)
Big departures: Tyrod Taylor (QB), Hunter Henry (TE)
One thing to know: Justin Herbert was one of the breakout stars of the 2020 season, winning offensive rookie of the year after throwing for 31 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. This year, he and the Chargers hope his standout play improves their 7-9 record from last season.
13. San Francisco 49ers
2020 record: 6-10
Super Bowl odds: 14/1
Big additions: Trey Lance (QB)
Big departures: C.J Beathard (QB), Nick Mullens (QB), Richard Sherman (CB)
One thing to know: Just two years ago, the 49ers ran through the NFC and made the Super Bowl. Injuries undid their 2020 season, but they could be back in the playoff mix with better health and two decent QB options between Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance.
12. Dallas Cowboys
2020 record: 6-10
Super Bowl odds: 40/1
Big additions: Malik Hooker (S)
Big departures: Andy Dalton (QB), Sean Lee (LB)
One thing to know: Dak Prescott is back under center after his 2020 campaign ended early due to a horrifying injury. He also has a new contract extension with the Cowboys that will see him make an average of $40 million a year for the next four seasons. Fans won't have to wait long to see if Jerry Jones' investment in Prescott paid off, as he and the Cowboys will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the season's opening game.
11. Arizona Cardinals
2020 record: 8-8
Super Bowl odds: 50/1
Big additions: A.J. Green (WR), James Conner (RB), JJ Watt (DE), Rodney Hudson (C), Malcolm Butler (CB)
Big departures: Kenyan Drake (RB), Larry Fitzgerald (WR), Patrick Peterson (CB), Haason Reddick (LB)
One thing to know: Can the Cardinals make The Leap this year? They're a trendy pick, with another year of experience for Kyler Murray and some splashy veteran additions. But one still wonders if they're deep enough on both sides of the ball.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
2020 record: 12-4
Super Bowl odds: 50/1
Big additions: Najee Harris (RB), Kalen Ballage (RB)
Big departures: James Conner (RB), Vance McDonald (TE), Bud Dupree (LB)
One thing to know: The most tenured player on the Pittsburgh Steelers is also the team's biggest question mark heading into the season. At 39 years old, can Ben Roethlisberger still lead a winning team?
9. Seattle Seahawks
2020 record: 12-4
Super Bowl odds: 25/1
Big additions: Gerald Everett (TE), Gabe Jackson (OG)
Big departures: Carlos Hyde (RB), Shaquem Griffin (LB), Bruce Irvin (LB), K.J. Wright (LB)
One thing to know: The Seahawks' goal this season will be to look more like the team from Weeks 1-8 — when Russell Wilson was the MVP favorite with 28 touchdowns — than the team that stalled out in the second half of the season. Can new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron help Russ cook for 17 weeks straight?
8. Cleveland Browns
2020 record: 11-5
Super Bowl odds: 14/1
Big additions: Jadeveon Clowney (DE)
Big departures: Sheldon Richardson (DT)
One thing to know: The Cleveland Browns front four on defense should be quite impressive this year, with defensive end Myles Garrett one of the favorites to win defensive player of the year.
7. Baltimore Ravens
2020 record: 11-5
Super Bowl odds: 16/1
Big additions: Sammy Watkins (WR), Alejandro Villanueva (OT), Kevin Zeitler (OG)
Big departures: Mark Ingram (RB), Orlando Brown (OT), Yannick Ngakoue (DE)
One thing to know: It's a big year for Lamar Jackson to prove the NFL hasn't figured him out — as some analysts have suggested. If Jackson can perform somewhere between his 2019 MVP campaign and somewhat underwhelming 2020 campaign, a big payday will await him.
6. Tennessee Titans
2020 record: 11-5
Super Bowl odds: 30/1
Big additions: Julio Jones (WR), Bud Dupree (LB), Janoris Jenkins (CB)
Big departures: Corey Davis (WR), Adam Humphries (WR), Jonnu Smith (TE)
One thing to know: Derrick Henry is one of the most dominant players in the NFL, leading the league in rushing the past two seasons and violently stiff-arming those that tried to stop him along the way.
5. Buffalo Bills
2020 record: 13-3
Super Bowl odds: 10/1
Big additions: Emmanuel Sanders (WR), Matt Milano (LB)
Big departures: John Brown (WR), Josh Norman (CB)
One thing to know: Josh Allen's leap from good to great last year elevated the Bills to the AFC Championship. With a deeper offensive supporting cast and hopeful upgrades on defense, the Bills are looking to jump into the Super Bowl contenders tier.
4. Los Angeles Rams
2020 record: 10-6
Super Bowl odds: 14/1
Big additions: Matthew Stafford (QB), DeSean Jackson (WR)
Big departures: Jared Goff (QB), Malcolm Brown (RB), Josh Reynolds (WR), Gerald Everett (TE)
One thing to know: The Rams had a Super Bowl-ready roster but needed a quarterback to go with it. Enter Matthew Stafford. The Rams hope to recreate the Buccaneers' 2020 campaign with Stafford and win the title after recruiting a star QB from elsewhere around the league.
3. Green Bay Packers
2020 record: 13-3
Super Bowl odds: 10/1
Big additions: Randall Cobb (WR)
Big departures: Jamaal Williams (RB), Corey Linsley (C)
One thing to know: The Packers survived a near-fallout with Aaron Rodgers, who begrudgingly returned after he expressed a desire to leave Green Bay. The Packers now bring back nearly the same roster that has made back-to-back NFC Championships.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2020 record: 11-5
Super Bowl odds: 9/2
Big additions: Giovani Bernard (RB)
Big departures: A.Q. Shipley (C)
One thing to know: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are your reigning Super Bowl champions and are looking to run it back in 2021. All 22 starters for the Buccaneers are set to return for the 2021 campaign. Why fix what ain't broke?
1. Kansas City Chiefs
2020 record: 14-2
Super Bowl odds: 5/1
Big additions: Orlando Brown (OT), Kyle Long (OG), Joe Thuney (OG)
Big departures: Sammy Watkins (WR), Eric Fisher (OT), Mitchell Schwart (OT), OG Kelechi Osemele
One thing to know: When your franchise quarterback is sacked three times and pressured 29 times in the Super Bowl, you get him a new offensive line. That's what the Chiefs essentially did this offseason to try and protect Patrick Mahomes. With an explosive offensive still in tact, the Chiefs look like the favorites to make it back to the Super Bowl.
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