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2021 NFL power rankings, Week 1: Buccaneers still own top spot

By Russell S. Baxter

TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 07: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs 31-9. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 07: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs 31-9. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – AUGUST 28: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills stretches before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Highmark Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – AUGUST 28: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills stretches before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Highmark Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

Previous: . Buffalo Bills. 3. team. 16. .

A year ago, the franchise won a division title and playoff contest for the first time since 1995 and reached the AFC title game for the first time since ‘93. Josh Allen blossomed in his third NFL season and Stefon Diggs led the league in catches (127) and receiving yards (1,535).

But Buffalo’s defense disappointed a year ago and Sean McDermott must find a way to defeat the Chiefs as the Bills (including playoffs) lost twice to the reigning AFC champions.

Kansas City Chiefs. 2. team. 124. . . Previous:

Andy Reid’s team has reached the playoffs six straight year – the longest current playoff streak in the league – and has won five consecutive AFC West titles. But the Chiefs were humbled in Super Bowl LV as Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City offense settled for three field goals.

General manager Brett Veach revamped an offensive line that was missing its starting tackles vs. the Buccaneers. But can the defense recapture that 2019 second-half form?

More fansided.com: Each NFL team’s all-time greatest moment

Previous: . Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 1. team. 48. .

No team has repeated as Super Bowl champion since quarterback Tom Brady was at the controls of the 2003 and ’04 New England Patriots. Bruce Arians’ club brings back all 22 starters from that 31-9 triumph over the Chiefs in early February.

General manager Jason Licht did an exceptional job this offseason making sure the likes of Lavonte David and Shaq Barrett didn’t go elsewhere. The Bucs bring an eight-game overall winning streak into 2021.

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