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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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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – JULY 28: Chase Young #99 of the Washington Football Team takes the field during the Washington Football Team training camp on July 28, 2021 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – JULY 28: Chase Young #99 of the Washington Football Team takes the field during the Washington Football Team training camp on July 28, 2021 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) /

Including the playoff loss to the Bucs, head coach Ron Rivera utilized four different starting quarterbacks a season ago. Now it’s ageless Ryan Fitzpatrick behind center for the defending NFC East champions.

There are capable weapons in running back Antonio Gibson, wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel and tight end Logan Thomas. Led by 2020 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Chase Young, Washington’s defense is simply frightening.

New Orleans Saints. 17. team. 15. . . Previous:

For the first time since 2005, the Saints’ roster will not include prolific passer Drew Brees. Enter one-time NFC South rival Jameis Winston, who sat a year ago for the most part and learned Sean Payton’s offense.

Running back Alvin Kamara leads a deep backfield but the team will have to wait until at least late October to see former All-Pro receiver Michael Thomas. New Orleans’ defense ranked high in 2020 but Dennis Allen’s unit was very inconsistent.

Previous: . San Francisco 49ers. 16. team. 42. .

From a 13-3 campaign and appearance in Super Bowl LIV to a 6-10 showing and last-place finish in the NFC West. Perhaps no team in the league was hit harder by injuries to its standout players than the Niners in 2020.

Jimmy Garoppolo has struggled to stay healthy and the team moved up in the draft to select intriguing prospect Trey Lance. Nick Bosa missed most of last season but he’s ready to go. How will the defense fare without Robert Saleh?

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