Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season is just around the corner. What better way to raise (or temper) expectations than with a complete breakdown of predictions and projections?
Below is a guide of what to expect from every team once the season kicks off Thursday -- from power rankings, to teams that will score the most points and defenses that will allow the least, to the easiest and toughest schedules -- as well as predictions for the playoffs and, of course, Super Bowl LVI. Will we have a repeat Super Bowl champion?
I used to kick this thing off with a look at the best and worst positional units across the league, but I did an expanded version of that in August, so be sure to also check that out. Let's start with who has the easiest slate of games on the calendar this season.
Jump ahead to:
Schedule: Easiest | Hardest
Offense projections: Best | Worst
Defense projections: Best | Worst
Power Rankings | Super Bowl pick
Offensive, defensive unit rankings
Easiest schedules
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The defending champions have the easiest schedule. That might not seem fair, but remember that the schedule is a predetermined formula. Tom Brady & Co. will benefit from six divisional games against the Drew Brees-less Saints, plus the underwhelming Falcons and Panthers rosters. The Bucs will also face the AFC and NFC East divisions, which means games against the Giants, Eagles and Jets. As for unique games, remember that the Buccaneers did not win the NFC South last season. That means they will face three second-place teams, as opposed to three defending division champs -- the Rams, Bears and Colts instead of the Seahawks, Packers and Titans.
2. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo is set up well for another AFC East title run, and a light schedule only helps their odds. The Bills' divisional foes aren't overly scary -- six games against the Patriots, Dolphins and Jets -- and they also take on the NFC South and AFC South. Buffalo's unique games aren't easy -- Titans, Chiefs, Steelers -- but that is offset by the rest of the slate.
3. Miami Dolphins
The AFC East is in a good spot this season, as the four teams make up half of the top seven easiest schedules. Of course, having 12 common opponents helps explain why all four are clustered together. But Miami gets an edge over the Patriots here because of unique games against the Ravens, Giants and Raiders, whereas New England draws the Browns, Cowboys and Chargers.
Hardest schedules
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers started last season with 11 consecutive wins, but the streak was criticized because of the extremely easy slate. That won't be the situation in 2021. Pittsburgh has the toughest schedule, headlined by four games against two of league's best teams -- Ravens and Browns -- as well as showdowns with fellow 2020 division champions Kansas City, Buffalo, Tennessee and Seattle. Pittsburgh's slow finish to 2020, a shaky offseason and a very tough slate certainly puts a return trip to the playoffs in jeopardy.
2. Chicago Bears
Chicago's schedule has the unique appeal of no back-to-back road games, but that is where the positives end. The Bears' slate is overloaded with tough opponents, and they have the NFC's hardest projected schedule despite two games against the rebuilding Lions. Chicago will face the Packers and improved Vikings twice, and nearly half of its schedule is made up of tough NFC West and AFC North teams. The Raiders and Giants aren't overly intimidating unique games, but the Buccaneers are. Chicago will have its hands full finding the way to a wild card in 2021.
3. Detroit Lions
The Lions are in the middle of a rebuild after overhauling the front office, coaching staff and even the quarterback position during the offseason. The schedule won't be doing them any favors with the NFC North teams set to face the AFC North and NFC West divisions this season. Their unique games aren't overly scary -- Eagles, Falcons and Broncos -- though it is possible all three, especially Denver, will be better in 2021.
Projected highest-scoring teams
Kansas City Chiefs: 477 points
The Chiefs top this category for the third consecutive season. In 2019, they were projected for 469 and scored 451. Last season, they were projected for 470 and scored 473. Offensive line turnover and a lack of wide receiver depth are concerns, but when you have Patrick Mahomes under center -- not to mention Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill as targets -- you are going to score a ton of points.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 469 points
The Buccaneers ranked third in this category last season and went on to win the Super Bowl. Of the 16 Bucs who played at least 220 offensive snaps (12,802 combined) for that team, all 16 remain on the roster. That is an unheard-of lack of turnover and sets up Tom Brady and Tampa Bay for another high-scoring season.
Green Bay Packers: 454 points
The Packers paced the NFL in this category last season, and the return of Aaron Rodgers locks them in as one of the favorites again in 2021. Rodgers' supporting cast remains solid, and the additions of Randall Cobb and rookie Amari Rodgers should help the cause.
Projected lowest-scoring teams
Houston Texans: 333 points
Houston finished 18th in this category last season, and that was with Deshaun Watson and Will Fuller V. Fuller is gone and Watson is unlikely to play this season, leaving the likes of Tyrod Taylor and Brandin Cooks to carry an offense devoid of playmakers. This is the league's shakiest offense, and it might not be close.
Carolina Panthers: 337 points
The Panthers finished 25th in offensive touchdowns last season, and their new quarterback, Sam Darnold, was under center for the team that finished dead last. Christian McCaffrey is back, but Curtis Samuel is gone and the offensive line isn't very good. Perhaps Darnold will make a leap in his fourth season, but I wouldn't bet on it.
Detroit Lions: 339 points
Detroit finished 20th in points last season and promptly downgraded from Matthew Stafford to Jared Goff at quarterback while also wiping out nearly its entire wide receiver room. With Tyrell Williams, Kalif Raymond and fourth-round rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown leading the WR depth chart, Detroit will have its hands full scoring points this season.
Projected defenses to allow the fewest points
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 352 points
Seven teams allowed fewer points than Tampa Bay last season, but it is fair to think the Bucs will be even better in 2021. Consider last season, 19 Buccaneers played at least 59 defensive snaps -- 13,908 combined. All 19 remain on the roster. Same as with the offense, the lack of turnover -- as well as the addition of 32nd overall pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka -- suggests a loaded defense, which also includes Vita Vea, Shaquil Barrett, Lavonte David, Devin White and Carlton Davis, will be one of the league's best in 2021.
Denver Broncos: 364 points
Denver's defense was projected in this same spot one year ago and was a major disappointment. Of course, Von Miller missed the entire season, and the Broncos now have what is arguably the league's best secondary after adding Kyle Fuller, Ronald Darby and first-round pick Pat Surtain II to a room that also includes Justin Simmons, Kareem Jackson and Bryce Callahan. Vic Fangio is one of the best defensive minds in the business and has the personnel to field a unit that rivals his elite 2018 Chicago squad.
Minnesota Vikings: 366 points
Minnesota's defense was a major bust last season, but it is fair to expect a rebound in 2021. Patrick Peterson, Dalvin Tomlinson, Sheldon Richardson, Mackensie Alexander, Everson Griffen, Bashaud Breeland and Xavier Woods were added to a unit that will have Michael Pierce, Danielle Hunter and Anthony Barr back after the trio missed all or most of 2020. Add Eric Kendricks and Harrison Smith to the mix and Minnesota's defense looks outstanding on paper.
Projected defenses to allow the most points
Detroit Lions: 463 points
Detroit allowed 519 points last season, which was 27 more than any other team. With all due respect to Trey Flowers, the Lions' defense is extremely short on star power. Leaving them with a few solid players (Michael Brockers, Romeo Okwara, Jamie Collins Sr.) and major question marks otherwise. That is especially the case in a secondary that badly needs Tracy Walker III and 2020 first-round pick Jeff Okudah to bounce back in a big way.
Houston Texans: 453 points
Same as Detroit, Houston is dangerously short on impact defensive players. J.J. Watt is no longer here to save the day, putting major pressure on recent Day 3 draft picks and a lengthy cast of replacement-level free-agent signings to hold down the fort. It's hard to see a bright future for this group as it includes zero recent first-round picks and only three Day 2 selections from the past three drafts -- Ross Blacklock, Jonathan Greenard and Lonnie Johnson Jr.
Las Vegas Raiders: 431 points
The Raiders finished in this same spot last season, and it's hard to see much of an improvement barring a major leap from recent draft picks Clelin Ferrell, Tanner Muse, Trayvon Mullen Jr., Damon Arnette and Johnathan Abram. Yannick Ngakoue was a strong free-agent add, but while Gerald McCoy (33 years old), Denzel Perryman (27, and dumped by Carolina) and Casey Hayward (31) are big names, it is fair to wonder if their best days are behind them.
My preseason Power Rankings (* indicates projected playoff team)
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers*
As discussed earlier, the Buccaneers had an unprecedented lack of roster turnover during the offseason, which leaves them without any glaring weaknesses. In fact, the roster might be even better with a young defense one year older, and with the additions of Giovani Bernard and impressive first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. Tampa Bay is also set up nicely with the league's easiest projected schedule.
Loaded with talent at nearly every level, we should expect Tom Brady's team to be in the mix for yet another Lombardi Trophy.
2. Cleveland Browns*
The Browns were one of the league's breakout teams last season and -- after a strong offseason -- I suspect they'll make another big leap in 2021. I wrote at length about why I feel the Browns are legitimate Super Bowl contenders, but, in a nutshell, this is a well-coached team with an ascending quarterback, elite offensive line and a defense that was transformed from a weakness to a strength after an aggressive offseason.
Top to bottom, the Browns have arguably the AFC's best roster on paper, which is saying a lot with the Ravens, Chiefs and Bills also in the conference.
3. Green Bay Packers*
Aaron Rodgers is back, making the Packers automatically strong contenders in the NFC. Of course, he has a pretty darn good supporting cast, too. This team is 26-6 in the regular season over the past two years. Losing superstar left tackle David Bakhtiari for at least six weeks is a tough blow, but Green Bay's offensive line is solid, as is Rodgers' arsenal of targets, led by Davante Adams and Aaron Jones.
The defense remains strong with Jaire Alexander, Kenny Clark, Adrian Amos and Za'Darius Smith among the best at their position and with the only notable void at off-ball linebacker.
4. Kansas City Chiefs*
With Patrick Mahomes under center and Andy Reid calling the shots, the defending AFC champions are primed for a run at their third consecutive trip to the Super Bowl. The path won't be without roadblocks, however. The offseason saw a near-complete offensive line overhaul -- including the additions of stars Orlando Brown Jr. and Joe Thuney -- but also a move to three projected starters with a combined zero regular-season snaps.
Depth at the offensive skill positions is a concern, and the defense is arguably bottom 10 in the league on paper. The team finished 22nd in Football Outsiders' DVOA last season and didn't improve much on paper during the offseason.
5. Baltimore Ravens*
Baltimore has finished .500 or better in 12 of the past 13 seasons, and that includes a combined 25-7 regular-season record during Lamar Jackson's two full seasons as a starter. The Ravens provided some support for their franchise QB during the offseason with the additions of Rashod Bateman, Sammy Watkins and Kevin Zeitler, though perhaps that was offset by the departure of offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and a season-ending injury for running back J.K. Dobbins.
The defense remains in good shape, with Calais Campbell and newcomer Justin Houston up front, Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters leading an elite cornerback room and recent first-round picks Patrick Queen and Odafe Oweh adding youth and pedigree. John Harbaugh's squad is sure to give Cleveland a run for the money in the AFC North.
6. Seattle Seahawks*
The Seahawks haven't had a losing season during the Russell Wilson era, and that doesn't figure to change in his 10th season. Seattle had a bit of a rough offseason, however, that saw several key defensive departures -- namely Shaquill Griffin, K.J. Wright and Jarran Reed. The defense has some holes up front and at cornerback, but perhaps the star power of Bobby Wagner, Jamal Adams and Carlos Dunlap II will make up for those voids.
As long as Wilson -- one of the league's best players -- is under center, Seattle will contend. He will have an elite wide receiver duo and a solid offensive line at his disposal this season. Seattle has the best shot to emerge in what figures to be a very tough NFC West.
7. Minnesota Vikings*
Minnesota stumbled to a 7-9 season in 2020 after three consecutive winning seasons, but there are plenty of reasons to anticipate a bounceback in 2021. The Vikings have an intriguing, high-pedigree offensive line -- all five projected starters were picked on Day 1 or 2 of the draft since 2018 -- as well as overhauled and upgraded interior defensive line and cornerback units. The defense will also have standouts Barr and Hunter back after the duo missed all but a combined 91 snaps last season due to injury. As if that's not enough, stars Kendricks (who also missed time last season) and Smith are sure to make a big impact.
Mike Zimmer is known for elite defense and, following a rough 2020, he now has the team on paper to get back to that in 2021. Kirk Cousins remains a polarizing player, but he played well last season and led Minnesota to the fifth most offensive touchdowns. He has plenty of support in the form of Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson. Minnesota is on the rise.
8. Buffalo Bills*
For the first time in awhile, the Bills had a quiet offseason, but that's generally a good thing when you are fresh off a 13-3 season. Buffalo's defense is still very good on the back end, led by Tre'Davious White, Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. But the youth will need to make a leap forward in order to solidify the front seven. It's an average defense on paper, but Sean McDermott's resume suggests he'll maximize the talent.
Josh Allen has emerged as one of the league's top players after a breakout 2020 campaign. He has enough talent around him to make another MVP push in 2021 and, in turn, launch the Bills to back-to-back AFC East titles.
9. Dallas Cowboys*
The Cowboys were well-positioned for a run at the NFC East division title last season, but Dak Prescott's season-ending leg injury put that to bed in a hurry. Prescott is back for 2021 and will have one of the league's best supporting casts at his disposal. Dallas' loaded offensive line is back to full health, and the roster includes arguably the NFL's best wide receiver trio -- Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup.
The big concern is a defense that doesn't look good on paper. DeMarcus Lawrence is the only clear-cut star on the unit, though youngsters such as Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs and Kelvin Joseph bring some depth to the table. New coordinator Dan Quinn will surely be a finalist for assistant coach of the year if he finds a way to get strong play out of this unit. With a suspect defense and a terrific offense, Dallas figures to be in the thick of things in the NFC East.
10. Tennessee Titans*
The Titans are well-positioned for another run at an AFC South title, as well as their sixth consecutive winning season. Believe it or not, they are tied with the Ravens for the NFL lead in offensive touchdowns over the past two seasons. Though Corey Davis, Jonnu Smith and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith are concerning offseason losses, the addition of Julio Jones helps offset that a bit.
The offense led by Ryan Tannehill -- he ranked fifth in QBR last season -- and Derrick Henry (the league's leading rusher each of the past two seasons) is in good shape, leaving a defense that struggled badly last season as the big wild card. A few holes remain -- uncertainty in the secondary perhaps the biggest -- but there is talent here in the form of Jeffery Simmons, Kevin Byard, Jayon Brown, Harold Landry III and newcomers Bud Dupree and Janoris Jenkins.
11. Washington Football Team*
The defending NFC East champions are positioned for a run at back-to-back titles thanks to one of the league's top defenses. Washington's unit, led by Chase Young, was already very good in 2020, and offseason additions William Jackson and first-round pick Jamin Davis only make it better. The offense is also better with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback (sixth in QBR last season) and wide receiver Curtis Samuel added to a skill-position group that includes Antonio Gibson, Terry McLaurin and Logan Thomas. The competition for the NFC wild card spots is likely to be tough, but if Fitzpatrick can keep it rolling at 38 years old, Washington will surely give Dallas a run for its money in the NFC East.
12. Los Angeles Rams*
The Rams haven't had a losing season during Sean McVay's four years as coach, and they are well-positioned to compete for a playoff spot in 2021. McVay will have the best quarterback he has ever had after the team upgraded from Jared Goff to Matthew Stafford during the offseason. Stafford will have a good offensive line and solid group of targets at his disposal.
The Rams' defense was best in the league last season, but a step back is likely after coordinator Brandon Staley and standout players John Johnson III, Troy Hill and Michael Brockers departed and weren't sufficiently replaced. Still, with McVay in charge, Stafford under center and superstars Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey leading the defense, the Rams have enough talent to compete for a playoff spot.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers*
Ben Roethlisberger is back for what might be his final NFL season, but his path to another playoff appearance has more roadblocks than ever before. One is the repercussions of a rough offseason that saw the departures of Bud Dupree and David DeCastro, among others, leaving the Steelers with arguably the league's shakiest offensive line. Another roadblock is competition.
The Steelers will need to beat out strong Ravens and Browns teams while dealing with the aforementioned league's hardest schedule. It's also fair to wonder what Big Ben has left in the tank after he ranked 24th in QBR last season. Pittsburgh still has some good offensive playmakers and a terrific defense, but it is fair to expect a step back this season.
14. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals appeared to be one of the big breakout teams of 2020, but with Kyler Murray battling through an injury, they went 2-5 down the stretch and failed to manage a winning record for the fifth season in a row. The good news is that Murray is healthy and the roster is better after adding J.J. Watt and Rodney Hudson over the offseason. The defense still has some shaky areas, but Watt joins Chandler Jones and Budda Baker as the stars, with the team's past two first-round picks, Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons, adding upside at linebacker.
The offensive line is solid and, with another leap from Murray and perhaps a resurgence from A.J. Green, very well could be one of the league's best. Arizona's main detriment to a playoff spot is a very tough NFC West.
15. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers check in last among NFC West teams but are still in the upper half of the league, which shows how loaded the division is this season. After breaking out with a 13-3 season and NFC title in 2019, San Francisco was overwhelmed with injuries and plummeted to 6-10 last season -- its fifth losing season over the past six years. A bounceback should in the cards with the team back near full health.
The Niners have a terrific offensive line and a good core of offensive targets led by George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, but it is yet to be seen how much they get out of the unsettled Jimmy Garoppolo/Trey Lance quarterback situation. The defense has more voids than in years past and coordinator Robert Saleh is gone, but star power remains in the form of Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Fred Warner, Jason Verrett and Jimmie Ward. This is a decent roster that will need to overcome a tough division in order to find its way back to the playoffs.
16. Denver Broncos*
The Broncos have what is arguably the league's best defense on paper led by Von Miller and Justin Simmons. They also have an intriguing group of skill-position players, such as Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Noah Fant, Melvin Gordon III and Javonte Williams.
So, despite all those positives, why isn't Denver ranked higher? The obvious: major quarterback concerns. Drew Lock failed to beat out journeyman Teddy Bridgewater for the team's starting gig, which leaves the Broncos with what figures to be below average quarterback play -- at best. This roster is good enough to compete for a playoff spot, but having the division's most unsettled quarterback situation makes it hard to rank them much higher.
17. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers appear to have found themselves a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, which is Step 1 on the road to competing in the AFC. The return of Derwin James Jr. -- and the free-agent signing of Corey Linsley -- are also significant, but that doesn't quite offset a lengthy list of offseason departures, which includes Hunter Henry, Casey Hayward Jr., Melvin Ingram III and Denzel Perryman. This turnover has left the team with uncertainty at every level of the defense.
Perhaps new coach Brandon Staley can work his magic as he did with the league-best Rams' defense in 2020, but it might take some time. A combination of good health and progression from several recent early-round draft picks can get this team to the playoffs, but -- especially with Kansas City and an improved Denver team in the division -- it's possible the top-heavy Chargers are still a year away.
18. New Orleans Saints
The Drew Brees era is over and the check is due. In addition to losing their Hall of Fame quarterback, the Saints saw Trey Hendrickson, Janoris Jenkins, Sheldon Rankins, Emmanuel Sanders, Jared Cook and Alex Anzalone, among others, depart during the offseason. The roster now has voids and depth concerns at several positions, including defensive tackle, corner, tight end and -- with Michael Thomas injured -- wide receiver.
On the plus side, the offensive line remains strong, the defense still has several star players -- Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, Marshon Lattimore and Marcus Williams among them -- and Sean Payton is one of the league's best coaches. Expect the Jameis Winston-led Saints to battle for a wild card.
19. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts entered the offseason fresh off a playoff berth and with a ton of cap space, but it's hard to make the case that the roster is any better. Quarterback is a major question mark with Philip Rivers retired and replaced by Carson Wentz, who struggled badly last season. Star left tackle Anthony Castonzo retired and wasn't replaced, and the team will need rookie Kwity Paye to step in as a replacement for Justin Houston.
The Quenton Nelson-led offensive line remains one of the best in the league, and the defense is not without star power, but barring a massive rebound from Wentz, the Colts figure to settle in as a midpack team.
20. New England Patriots
Whereas the Colts were quiet with a ton of cap space, the Patriots were the opposite, aggressively overhauling the roster during the offseason. New England's secondary remains one of the league's best -- though we can't ignore that it will be without star cornerback Stephon Gilmore for at least six games. The overhauled front seven doesn't jump off the page, but is loaded with solid veterans.
The offense will revolve around the ability of rookie Mac Jones, who is sure to deal with the expected ups and downs, but will benefit from one of the league's top offensive lines and the Jonnu Smith/Hunter Henry duo at tight end. It's rarely smart to doubt Bill Belichick, but especially with a rookie under center, this looks more like a borderline wild-card contender than a real player in the AFC.
21. Miami Dolphins
I think there's a reasonable chance that Tua Tagovailoa makes a big second-year leap and this ranking will prove too low. That said, Tagovailoa is very much an unproven player after an up-and-down rookie season. A barrage of recent Day 1 and 2 picks has set up Miami with a lot of young talent. But until they emerge as difference-makers, it's hard to get too excited about this roster. That is especially the case when you consider a shaky offensive line and defensive concern areas at edge rusher, linebacker and safety.
The Dolphins won 10 games last season on the back of Ryan Fitzpatrick, terrific roster health and the No. 1 defense in forced turnovers. They can't count on any of those things in 2021, so a big leap from the team's youth will be necessary in order for them to reach the playoffs.
22. New York Giants
The Giants are entering a big season for the franchise after an aggressive and productive offseason that has set up third-year quarterback Daniel Jones with his best group of targets yet. That includes newcomers Kenny Golladay, Kyle Rudolph, Kadarius Toney, incumbents Evan Engram, Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton and a healthy Saquon Barkley. The problem? Jones, who has led the NFL in fumbles each of the past two seasons, will be playing behind arguably the league's worst offensive line.
The defense features one of the best secondaries -- Adoree' Jackson was a good, underrated signing -- and interior defensive lines, but edge rusher remains a concern. All in all, it's a good unit, but it won't be enough to get this team to the playoffs without major progression from Jones.
23. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders ranked 12th in offensive touchdowns last season behind a strong offensive line, so it surprised many when they moved on from a trio of impact starters from the group, including Rodney Hudson, Trent Brown and Gabe Jackson. The line now has more questions than clear answers. Darren Waller is the only proven player in terms of impact pass-catchers, though the group has intriguing youth led by Henry Ruggs III.
Derek Carr has gone from overrated to underrated over the past few years, as he ranked no lower than 12th in most QB metrics last season. He is an asset for this team, but it has yet to be seen if he can overcome a defense loaded with question marks. As noted earlier, the unit is a combination of veteran additions, such as Ngakoue, McCoy, Perryman and Hayward and recent early-round picks who have thus far flirted with the bust label, such as Solomon Thomas and Clelin Ferrell. There's a lot of talent on the roster, but a lot has to go right for this team to compete in 2021.
24. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals' offense is in similar position to the Giants, as they have a high expectations, unproven QB (Joe Burrow) and very good offensive skill-position players (Joe Mixon, Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd), but major offensive line concerns. The defense is another story, as it features a few star-caliber players like D.J. Reader, Jessie Bates III and Trey Hendrickson.
Perhaps the Bengals will be a bit better than in recent years -- they haven't had a winning season since 2015. But with the Ravens, Browns and Steelers in the same division, it's going to be tough to make much noise in the short term.
25. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have entered a new era, as QB Carson Wentz and coach Doug Pederson have been replaced by Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni. Hurts will have himself a respectable supporting cast, as the Eagles' offensive line is still one of the league's best when healthy. He also will have the likes of DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, Zach Ertz, Jalen Reagor and Miles Sanders at his disposal.
The Eagles' defense looks solid on paper after the additions of every-down players Steven Nelson, Anthony Harris and Eric Wilson to a group that includes Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham and Darius Slay. If Hurts struggles, the Eagles aren't going to win much this season, but if he emerges as a difference-maker, the rest of the roster is good enough to make this team a competitor in the NFC East.
26. Chicago Bears
The Bears might have found themselves a franchise QB in Justin Fields, but we won't see the first-round pick out of Ohio State early on this season and, even when we do, he will have his hands full carrying a team that has serious areas of concern. That starts on the offensive line, as the team moved on from starting tackles Bobby Massie and Charles Leno Jr.
The defense has carried this team for a few years now, and while the Khalil Mack-led front seven remains solid, Danny Trevathan will miss time with an injury and the secondary is a major concern after the offseason departure of Kyle Fuller. With more uncertainty, albeit with some hope at quarterback and an average defense, Chicago has its work cut out to compete with good Green Bay and Minnesota rosters.
27. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are another team in a bit of a rebuild mode after hiring Arthur Smith as coach and then moving on from franchise legend Julio Jones during the offseason. Matt Ryan remains a solid quarterback at 36 years old, but he has his most questionable supporting cast in a long time. Calvin Ridley and rookie Kyle Pitts are clear top targets and Atlanta's line is a work in progress.
The defense has a few good players in Grady Jarrett and Dante Fowler Jr., but also significant question marks at every level, especially edge rusher and in the secondary. The key to success here could be coaching by Smith (his Titans were tops in the NFL in offensive touchdowns during his two seasons as playcaller) and defensive coordinator Dean Pees (his past eight defenses have combined to allow a terrific 2.1 touchdowns per game).
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are in rebuild mode after bringing on Urban Meyer as coach and selecting new franchise QB Trevor Lawrence with the first-overall pick in April's draft. Jacksonville did improve the roster during the offseason, but not to the extent it will take to compete in the short term. That is, of course, unless Lawrence defies the odds and immediately emerges as a star. He will certainly have some help courtesy of DJ Chark Jr., Laviska Shenault Jr., Marvin Jones Jr. and James Robinson.
The defense still has a way to go, but recent early-round picks Josh Allen, K'Lavon Chaisson, CJ Henderson and Tyson Campbell offer some hope for the future.
29. Carolina Panthers
Is this too low for Carolina? Perhaps, but it is concerning that a team that went 5-11 and ranked 24th in points in 2020 might be in a worse situation at quarterback. Whereas Sam Darnold is younger and perhaps has a higher ceiling than his predecessor, Teddy Bridgewater, we have yet to see the former Jet play at a high level for an extended period (Bridgewater was better in every credible QB efficiency stat last season). Even if Darnold makes a leap, his supporting cast leaves a lot to be desired. Yes, he has Christian McCaffrey, Robby Anderson and DJ Moore, but the offensive line is near the league's bottom.
Carolina invested its entire 2020 draft on the defense, but the likes of Derrick Brown, Yetur Gross-Matos and Jeremy Chinn -- not to mention rookie No. 8 overall pick Jaycee Horn -- are not yet proven in the pros. The defense could be very good down the road, but there is still work to be done.
30. New York Jets
It's been a while since the Jets were not at or near the basement of power rankings, but striking out at quarterback while failing to fill annual voids at key positions like offensive line, edge rusher and cornerback has continued to hold them back. They fell short in several of those areas again this past offseason -- granted the Carl Lawson injury was bad luck. But perhaps better days are ahead with Robert Saleh calling the shots, a pair of recent first-round picks anchoring the offensive line and second-overall-pick Zach Wilson impressing thus far.
That is all good and well for the future, but this roster still includes questionable situations at several positions, including running back, tight end and, yes, edge rusher and corner. Wilson has a decent group of wide receivers to throw to, but he is sure to experience growing pains and he won't be bailed out much by his defense, barring a master class by Saleh. The Jets are likely a year or two away from competing in the AFC East.
31. Detroit Lions
Detroit cleaned house during the offseason, making changes at coach and GM while also massively overhauling the roster. The overhaul is especially noticeable on offense, with Goff replacing Stafford, and only one of the team's wide receivers back from last season. The good news is that the offensive line will be good, especially if seventh-overall pick Penei Sewell pans out, but the bad news is that the skill-position players are very shaky behind T.J. Hockenson and D'Andre Swift.
Detroit's defense is arguably in worse shape, and, while the front seven is passable, the secondary is perhaps the worst in the league. Detroit likely won't be competing for the NFC North anytime soon.
32. Houston Texans
This ranking assumes Deshaun Watson will not play for Houston this season. But even if he does, it doesn't change the outlook much. After all, Houston went 4-12 with Watson last season and didn't get any better during the offseason. In fact, it is not hard to make the case that Houston is below average or poor at every positional unit and that it has the league's worst offense and defense on paper.
Standouts Watt, Fuller and Benardrick McKinney were among the team's key offseason departures. They were the only team without a first- or second-round draft pick, and the top additions to the roster were the likes of Desmond King II, Jordan Jenkins and Marcus Cannon. Houston is in the very early stages of what figures to be a lengthy rebuild.
Super Bowl prediction
Buccaneers over Browns
I know, I know. It's super difficult to repeat. But the Buccaneers were one of the league's best teams on paper and won the Super Bowl last season before literally keeping their entire core in place on both sides of the ball. It's unheard of and makes it pretty much impossible to pick against them.
Barring a rash of injuries, Brady and Bucs will be in the thick of it again this season. The Browns are the bold pick, but as noted throughout this piece, Cleveland is stacked on both sides of the ball and ready to compete for an AFC Championship.