NFL power rankings: 2021 edition: Buccaneers dethrone the Chiefs
Chicago Bears. 15. team. 57. . 8-9. Previous:
For the second time in seven years, a team endured a six-game losing streak and still managed to make the playoffs. And for the second time in three seasons, Matt Nagy had the Bears in the postseason. Much-maligned quarterback Mitch Trubisky returned to the starting lineup down the stretch and showed he had made strides. The Chicago defense was solid for most of the year in what proved to be Chuck Pagano’s final season as coordinator.
team. 32. . 8-8. Previous: . Arizona Cardinals. 14
The season started out promising enough and for the second straight year, Kliff Kingsbury’s club won three more games than the previous season. But the Cardinals dropped five of their final seven contests after a 6-3 start, which included a memorable last-second home win over the Bills via Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins. The Arizona defense got a big year from Hasson Reddick (12.5 sacks) but a 2-4 record vs. their NFC West rivals hurt.
59. . 10-6. Previous: . Miami Dolphins. 13. team
Brian Flores took over the team in South Florida in 2019, the club got off to a 0-7 start but won five of its final nine games. This year, the Dolphins doubled their victory total from the previous season and the catalyst was a defense that bent but rarely broke. Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick was the main man behind center but the transition to Tua Tagovailoa began. All told, a 10-6 finish wasn’t good enough to get this team in the playoffs despite an extra spot.