yr after year, the NFL playoff picture looks different. Sounds evident, however all too often, we anticipate the outdated season's contenders may be returned within the combine. actually, it's all unpredictable -- division winners, wild-card contenders, super Bowl favorites. With that talked about, we determined to rank each and every of 2021's first-location groups from most to least vulnerable getting into the 2021 campaign.
Who's absolutely to maintain their division crown? Who's undoubtedly to lose it? right here's our rundown, from shakiest to sturdiest:
1. Bengals (AFC North)2021 record: 10-7 | Division title streak: 1 season
it be not that we're down on the Bengals. Joe Burrow and their play-makers are the actual deal, and they wisely addressed the O-line. The protection is additionally underrated. however they've acquired a tricky time table with an absolutely brutal conclude (their final eight are against projected playoff groups), and the division is at all times tight. it'd be a surprise if at the least two of their rivals didn't problem for the title; the Ravens should still be much more healthy, the Steelers are never losers beneath Mike Tomlin, and the Browns nonetheless have loads of ability.
2021 list: 12-5 | Division title streak: 1 season
When's the closing time Dallas delivered on hype? The reply is the Nineties, which is the final time they posted back-to-returned seasons with double-digit wins. The NFC East, in the meantime, hasn't had a repeat champion in view that 2001-2004. The Giants are squarely in transition, and the Commanders are still volatile with Carson Wentz now beneath core, but the Eagles appear primed to take a jump, and the Cowboys, regardless of play-makers on both sides, still have question marks up entrance, where it concerns most.
3. Titans (AFC South)2021 checklist: 12-5 | Division title streak: 2 seasons
Tennessee is an ideal close-middleman here. Mike Vrabel's squad is all the time challenging, and they're still developed to win late in the year, with Derrick Henry again suit. Malik Willis' entry at QB may additionally spark something below middle, either as motivation to Ryan Tannehill or as a more electric powered successor. and then there's the South, which might have one more challenger in the Matt Ryan-led Colts but also hosts the rebuilding Jaguars and hapless Texans. The difficulty is that they've already reached their ceiling.
four. Chiefs (AFC West)2021 checklist: 12-5 | Division title streak: 6 seasons
Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes variety of suppose like bill Belichick and Tom Brady in that so long as they're collectively in Kansas city, it feels silly to guess towards a division title; the Chiefs have gained at least 10 games in seven straight seasons. but if you might be ever gonna forecast a slight step returned, why now not now? Their agenda is hard, they'll be adapting publish-Tyreek Hill, and notwithstanding the brand new-appear Raiders don't meet expectations, the Broncos and Chargers should still be official competitors seeing that their megastar QBs.
5. Rams (NFC West)2021 list: 12-5 | Division title streak: 1 season
usually, the West is fairly large open, but there are greater questions than regular with all three competitors: the Cardinals have a brutal agenda, now not to point out some underlying QB drama; the 49ers may well be turning the keys to the unproven Trey Lance; and the Seahawks are set to ask Geno Smith and/or Drew Lock to replace Russell Wilson. or not it's the Rams' division if they want it, so long as Matthew Stafford plays sensible and leans on his All-seasoned aid throughout their challenging stretches.
6. Packers (NFC North)2021 checklist: 13-four | Division title streak: 3 seasons
it be correct to be a little skeptical of their chances to go the distance now that Davante Adams is long gone and Aaron Rodgers will theoretically ought to work a little more durable to score elements at will. but he and Matt LaFleur have not won fewer than 13 video games in a season seeing that teaming up, and their defense has greater upside. in all probability more importantly, the Bears and Lions are not off course to be little greater than pushovers. most effective the Vikings seem like a possible hazard, and that they're adjusting to a wholly new group of workers.
7. expenses (AFC East)2021 listing: 11-6 | Division title streak: 2 seasons
The Josh Allen impact. QBs don't sway each division race, but in this case, they do. Allen plus Buffalo's playoff-equipped aiding solid is only that a lot more explosive than anything in Miami, New England and new york. Sean McDermott's protection should even be just as stingy. That doesn't mean the Dolphins or Jets won't be more desirable, or that Belichick's Patriots won't play spoiler. however the expenses have flirted with real title competition for a number of seasons now, and their lineup continues to be lethal.
2021 list: 13-4 | Division title streak: 1 season
seem to be no further than the man below core. Ever considering that Tom Brady lower back from "retirement," they grew to be the story of the NFC, if now not the NFL. The transition from Bruce Arians to Todd Bowles on the sidelines is an underrated X-aspect, however Brady's nonetheless in his leading at 44, and his weaponry remains elite. in the meantime, the Saints are appearing like they're nonetheless in competition but have questions at QB and educate, the Panthers are in the equal boat, and the Falcons may additionally have the league's worst roster.
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