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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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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 26: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders is brought down by Kyle Van Noy #53 of the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter of a game at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 26: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders is brought down by Kyle Van Noy #53 of the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter of a game at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

28. . 8-8. Previous: . Las Vegas Raiders. 18. team

It was déjà vu all over again for Jon Gruden’s club. In 2019, the Raiders won six of their first 10 games before finishing 7-9. This season, the Raiders were sitting with a 6-3 mark and once again, the defense fell apart and would eventually fire defensive coordinator Paul Guenther in December. The team avoided another losing season but failed to reach the playoffs after a solid start but wound up surrendering the third-most points in the NFL.

. 7-9. Previous: . Los Angeles Chargers. 17. team. 13

It wasn’t long ago (2018) that the Bolts were tied with the Chiefs for the best record in the AFC. But in 2019, the Chargers plummeted to 5-11 and this year, finished 7-9 despite a season-ending four-game winning streak. There’s hope with NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert, who impressed from the get-go. But he’ll be playing for a new head coach in 2021 as Anthony Lynn was dismissed while defensive specialist Brandon Staley takes over.

It was quite the year for the franchise both on and off the field. New head coach Ron Rivera went through three different starting quarterbacks, wound up with NFL Comeback Player of the Year Alex Smith at the controls and 2019 first-round pick Dwayne Haskins off the roster. The Washington defense was fierce and rookie Chase Young and ’19 first-rounder Montez Sweat keyed the pass rush. And a 7-9 mark was good enough to win the NFC East.

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