A Way-Too-Early Power Rankings of the NFL’s Top 10 Teams
Only a few days removed from Super Bowl 55, it is hard to fathom that there will be no NFL football for over 200 days. This past season was unique and challenging, but in the end, all 256 regular-season games were played, and a champion was crowned in Tampa.
With free agency over a month away, let’s take a look at the way too early NFL top 10 power rankings.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady has done it again. He led Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl victory after the Bucs finished last season with a 7-9 record. Now the Buccaneers will have a target on their back, but that will be no strange feeling for the man with seven rings.
Tampa’s defense was ranked No. 1 against the run and got stronger down the stretch against the pass. If Brady can win a Super Bowl with a new team, first-year offensive coordinator and shortened offseason, it would be shocking to not see this team competing for a chance at the big game at the end of next season.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City came up short after another fantastic season. There should be no worrying among Chiefs fans. This team will be great again next year, but it needs to draft a linebacker or two; it also needs more help in the secondary and on the offensive line. Even with a banged-up O-line, it is inexcusable the amount of pressure that Patrick Mahomes had to deal with in the Super Bowl.
Andy Reid, Eric Bieniemy and Steve Spagnuolo are elite coaches who have been in the league long enough to have this Kansas City team right back in contention next year.
3. Buffalo Bills
The Bills are legitimate contenders, and the mafia has been revived. Josh Allen transformed his game this season to the next level, becoming an excellent, accurate passer. Head coach Sean McDermott has the Buffalo franchise reaching heights it hasn’t seen since the early 1990s.
Acquiring an elite receiver in Stefon Diggs during last offseason proved to be the correct move. Diggs was an easy top-five receiver in the league this year and should be in 2021 as well.
Buffalo has their sights set on Kansas City, and the Bills are not too far behind them in the AFC race.
4. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are a team that played in Super Bowl 53 only two years ago. After swapping quarterbacks with the Lions, Matthew Stafford will be the man under center to kick off next season. L.A. has a dynamic running game along with an above-average receiving core, not to mention they have one of the best shutdown defenses in the NFL.
Los Angeles is a true threat in the NFC, and Stafford gives them a veteran guy who can make all the throws that Jared Goff couldn’t make.
5. Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis has compiled one of the league’s best rosters. This Colts team consists of a dominant offensive line, young skill position players and a powerful front seven on defense. After the retirement of Philip Rivers, the Colts are only a quarterback away from being a team that could go all the way.
Expect the Colts to make a move for a quarterback in free agency to try and get this team ready for a deep playoff run.
6. Green Bay Packers
The Packers are a great regular season team which has been unable to get over the hump come playoff time. MVP-winner Aaron Rodgers is still at the top of his game, but another top-tier receiver would be beneficial for that offense.
Green Bay is still the best team in the NFC North, and it will easily have double-digit wins again in 2021.
7. Baltimore Ravens
Similar to the Packers, the Ravens have been unable to make a deep playoff run with Lamar Jackson at the helm. Jackson is an incredible athlete that can make plays with his legs at any moment, but he has not proven that he can throw the ball to win playoff games. Hopefully, we see a Josh Allen-like offseason out of Lamar to increase his accuracy throwing the ball.
8. New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees has agreed to a new salary of just over $1 million. It looks like it is Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill’s time to be the next quarterback of the Saints. New Orleans will still be in the mix with their almost complete roster and offensive mastermind head coach Sean Payton.
9. Tennessee Titans
Mike Vrabel has put together a team that is ready to go to war for each other. The ground-and-pound Titans continue to grind out games and opponents. Tennessee will continue to battle with Indianapolis for the AFC South crown. Plus, Ryan Tannehill quietly put together another good season after many thought his career would fade after his days in Miami.
10. Miami Dolphins
Miami got the short end of the stick after missing the playoffs after a 10-6 season. Despite the great regular season, the Dolphins have the No. 3 and 18 overall picks for the draft. Head coach Brian Flores and the front office should be able to snag two great assets for the future. To put a cherry on top, Tua Tagovailoa will get a whole offseason to build upon his game for next year.
Evan Popalis is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email epopalis83@gmail.com.
