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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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HENDERSON, NEVADA – JULY 28: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders catches a pass during training camp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center on July 28, 2021 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
HENDERSON, NEVADA – JULY 28: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders catches a pass during training camp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center on July 28, 2021 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images) /

Chicago Bears. 21. team. 57. . . Previous:

Head coach Matt Nagy will start Andy Dalton in the Week 1 primetime clash with the Rams in Los Angeles. But just how long will the Bears wait to unveil 2021 first-round pick Justin Fields?

General manager Ryan Pace gave up a lot to move up and take the former Ohio State Buckeye. But Chicago’s biggest concern this offseason has been the offensive line. Can new defensive coordinator Sean Desai make Khalil Mack and company fearsome once again?

Previous: . Las Vegas Raiders. 20. team. 28. .

It’s a franchise that has made just one postseason appearance (2016) since ‘03 and hasn’t won a playoff contest since the 2002 AFC title game.

The Silver and Black has gotten off to decent starts the last two seasons but a troubled defense wilted down the stretch each time. The franchise did a lot of work this offseason tweaking its offensive and defensive lines. And quarterback Derek Carr continues to be an underappreciated performer.

19. team. 60. . . Previous: . Minnesota Vikings

Mike Zimmer’s club had few problems putting points on the board last season. But inexplicably, the Vikings collapsed badly on the defensive side of the ball. Some of that had to do with the season-long absence of end Danielle Hunter as the club saw its sack total drop from 48 in 2019 to 23 QB traps a year ago.

Kirk Cousins still has his occasional issues with ball security but don’t be surprised if this club bounces back in a very big way.

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