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NFL power rankings: Buccaneers, Chiefs still lead way into 2021

By Russell S. Baxter

TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 07: A detailed view of the scoreboard after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs, 31-9. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 07: A detailed view of the scoreboard after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs, 31-9. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 29: Zach Wilson holds a jersey onstage after being drafted second by the New York Jets during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 29: Zach Wilson holds a jersey onstage after being drafted second by the New York Jets during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

30. . . . New York Jets. 28. team

The team with the longest active playoff drought in the league was active this offseason as general manager Joe Douglas eventually dealt three-year quarterback Sam Darnold to Carolina. Then the Jets went out and used the second overall pick in the draft on BYU quarterback Zach Wilson. In between were additions such as wide receiver Corey and linebacker Jarrad Davis. New head coach Robert Saleh, late of the 49ers, has a tall task ahead of him.

56. . . . Cincinnati Bengals. 27. team

It’s been a rough five-year stretch for the team from the Queen City and thanks to the worst record in the league in 2019, the franchise used the first overall pick last April on Joe Burrow. He was lost in Week 11 at Washington but to head coach Zac Taylor’s credit, the team stayed competitive for the rest of the year. The club stressed defense in free agency but got Burrow some help at wideout (Ja’Marr Chase) and along the offensive line come the draft.

. . Carolina Panthers. 26. team. 87.

The big move was the trade for quarterback Sam Darnold. The third overall pick in the 2018 draft by the Jets had his fifth-year option picked up by his new club (via Kevin Patra of NFL.com). The club released numerous veterans and recently dealt Teddy Bridgewater to Denver. The Panthers’ big additions include veteran cornerback A.J. Bouye and improved linebacker Hasson Reddick and Matt Rhule grabbed cornerback Jaycee Horn in the first round.

. . Denver Broncos. 25. team. 45.

What to make of a team that finished last in the AFC West and led the league with 32 turnovers this past season? The Broncos have posted four straight losing campaigns and added to its quarterback depth chart by trading for Teddy Bridgewater. After missing all of 2020, linebacker Von Miller returns and should aid an inconsistent defense that also added first-round cornerback Patrick Surtain II. And rookie running back Javonte Williams bears watching.

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