2021 NFL power rankings, Week 1: Buccaneers still own top spot
team. 36. . . Previous: . Seattle Seahawks. 9
Pete Carroll’s club got off to the 5-0 start a year ago, finished 12-4 and won the NFC West. But Russell Wilson and company were one-and-done in the playoffs, losing at home to the rival Rams.
The team got a little offensive line help this offseason but it was still an odd offseason in the Pacific Northwest. But with their resourceful signal-caller at the controls, it’s hard to count out a team that has made eight playoff appearances during his nine NFL seasons.
. . Previous: . Miami Dolphins. 8. team. 59
A year ago, Brian Flores team won 10 games and still failed to make the playoffs. This season, 2020 first-round draft choice Tua Tagovailoa is the starter behind center entering Week 1.
Brian Flores’ defense did make some strides a year ago and the Dolphins did lead the NFL with 29 takeaways. There figures to still be some growing pains with their young quarterback. But this is a franchise that appears to be headed in the right direction.
. . Previous: . Indianapolis Colts. 7. team. 46
For the fourth consecutive year, head coach Frank Reich will open a season with a different starting quarterback. It was Andrew Luck in 2018, Jacoby Brissett a year later, Philip Rivers this past season and Carson Wentz (or Jacob Eason) when the team hosts the Seahawks.
The Colts have a budding star in running back Jonathan Taylor and a solid offensive line albeit a question mark at left tackle. Star linebacker Darius Leonard keys an emerging defense.