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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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FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 03: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 03: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

15. . . . New Orleans Saints. 15. team

Life begins without prolific passer Drew Brees on a permanent basis as the NFL’s all-time leader in aerial yardage has called it a career after 20 NFL seasons. Talented but erratic Jameis Winston figures to be the new man behind center, but versatile Taysom Hill and rookie Ian Book (4-Notre Dame) could have a say as well. Running back Alvin Kamara and wideout Michael Thomas are stars but a talented defense needs to rebound from an inconsistent ’20.

14. team. 47. . . . New England Patriots

The club comes off its first losing campaign since 2000 but it’s also been an unusual offseason for the franchise. The Patriots spent their share of money this offseason, especially on offense with the signings of wide receivers Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor, as well as Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. Quarterback Cam Newton is back for a second straight year and former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones fell into the team’s laps with the 15th pick.

team. 55. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers. 13

An 11-0 start a year ago turned into a 12-4 disappointment as the AFC North champions were embarrassed at home by the rival Browns in the wild card round. The league’s worst ground attack hopes to get a big boost from first-round running back Najee Harris (Alabama). The Steelers once again led the league in sacks but the defense did lost outside linebacker Bud Dupree to free agency. Can second-round performer Alex Highsmith fill the void?

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