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

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

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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OXNARD, CA – JULY 24: Linebacker Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys battle runs drills during training camp at River Ridge Complex on July 24, 2021 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

. Previous: . New York Giants. 24. team. 31.

First-time NFL head coach Joe judge led Big Blue to a 6-5 record in its final 11 games after an 0-5 start this past season. Still, the Giants finished 6-10 – a fourth straight losing campaign for a franchise that last reached the playoffs in 2016.

Quarterback Daniel Jones made some progress in terms of holding onto the football as last season unfolded. A secondary featuring James Bradberry, Jabrill Peppers and Logan Ryan may be the league’s best.

23. team. 45. . . Previous: . Denver Broncos

The franchise has suffered through four consecutive losing seasons and Teddy Bridgewater will be the team’s 11th different starting quarterback since 2016.

The good news is that outside linebacker Von Miller is back after missing all of 2020. And Vic Fangio’s club is certainly not short on talent. But this club was a mere 1-5 vs. its division rivals a year ago. And since opening the ‘16 season with a 4-0 mark, the Broncos own a disturbing 28-48 win-loss record.

22. team. 123. . . Previous: . Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott is back and will get the start in the Week 1 prime time clash with the defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers at Tampa. But will the Dallas defense, one of the worst units in the league a year ago, make some strides sooner than later?

First-round draft pick Micah Parsons definitely bears watching. The new defensive coordinator is former Falcons’ head coach Dan Quinn. Parsons was one of eight defensive draft picks this spring.

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