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NFL power rankings: 2021 edition: Buccaneers dethrone the Chiefs

By Russell S. Baxter

TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 07: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signals during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 07: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signals during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 03: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans in action against the Tennessee Titans during a game at NRG Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 03: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans in action against the Tennessee Titans during a game at NRG Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

team. 54. . 4-11-1. Previous: . Philadelphia Eagles. 28

From three consecutive playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl win in 2017, to last place in the woeful NFC East. There was plenty of blame to go around when it came to the team’s performance as quarterback Carson Wentz struggled and was eventually benched for rookie Jalen Hurts. The Eagles’ offensive line had a disastrous offseason and it carried into 2020. The defense also fell apart and head coach Doug Pederson would lose his job.

. 4-12. Previous: . Atlanta Falcons. 27. team. 44

The team finished last in the NFC South for the first time since 2007. And when the team takes the field in ’21, new head coach Arthur Smith will be at the helm. The Falcons got a big year from veteran quarterback Matt Ryan, who threw for 4,581 yards and 26 scores (14 turnovers). But Todd Gurley wasn’t really the answer in terms of the running game. And the defense was a major liability as the club gave up the most passing yards in the NFL in 2020.

Previous: . Denver Broncos. 26. team. 45. . 5-11

After winning four of their final five games in 2019 with promising quarterback Drew Lock at the helm, there were some expectations in the Mile High City. But the Broncos once again stumbled out of the gate, dropped their first three contests and never even got back to the .500 mark. Not having starting linebacker Von Miller all season certainly hurt. And COVID-19 had an impact on a club that turned over the football a league-high 32 times in 2020.

. 4-12. Previous: . Houston Texans. 25. team. 10

After winning the AFC South title four of the previous five seasons, it all fell apart in a big way for the Texans. Head coach Bill O’Brien was let go after a 0-4 start. While Deshaun Watson led the NFL in passing yardage, the Houston defense was dead last against the run. Speaking of Watson, there’s the latest from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport regarding his availability. As for the franchise, David Culley is the Texans’ newest head coach.

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