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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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CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 03: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 discusses a play with head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Steelers 24-22. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 03: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 discusses a play with head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Steelers 24-22. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

. 12-6. Previous: . Baltimore Ravens. 6. team. 26

For the second consecutive year, the team led the NFL in rushing and quarterback Lamar Jackson gained 1,000-plus yards on the ground. But the Ravens’ passing attack took a bit of a step backwards and the defense suffered through a midseason slump. Eventually, John Harbaugh’s team righted itself and the club took a five-game winning streak into the playoffs. Baltimore exacted some revenge vs. the Titans but were stifled by the Bills a week later.

team. 53. . 12-6. Previous: . Cleveland Browns. 5

It was a breakthrough season for a franchise that ended the longest-active playoff drought in the league. The team reached the postseason for the first time since 2002 and won a playoff game for the first time since ’94. Kevin Stefanski was named the NFL’s Coach of the Year for bringing new life to the franchises. Third-year quarterback Baker Mayfield emerged as a leader, the ground game was solid but the Browns need a lot more help on defense.

Previous: . Buffalo Bills. 4. team. 16. . 15-4

The third NFL season proved to be quite charming for quarterback Josh Allen, who took a major leap in terms of improvement as a passer. Sean McDermott’s club finished with 13 victories and Allen received some NFL MVP votes. The Bills won the AFC East and a playoff game for the first time since 1995 and reached the conference title game for the first time since ’93. But they ran into a hot Kansas City offense. Still, this is a franchise on the rise.

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