Piece by: Mark Stolte
The National Football League released the schedule for the 2021 season on May 12th, 2021. So we now have the slate for next season, the rosters (minus some late free agent/trade acquisitions), and several intriguing story lines. With that being said, it is time we start to take a look at the hierarchy of NFL teams for this upcoming season.
My power rankings are based on this formula.
Coaching: 20%
Quarterback: 30%
Skill (RB/WR/TE): 7%
Offensive Line: 15%
Defense: 28%
These slightly arbitrary numbers are based on what I believe to be the closest weight of importance in the components of an NFL team. For the advent of higher management like GM, Owner, etc… they are not included in this formula.
The reason is because they have more of an impact on the direction and future of the team than they do on the actual games. If this was a power ranking made before draft, free agency, or player resigning, then I would factor that part in.
My main example would be the Steelers. The Steelers have had relatively solid management for quite some time. Hence the reason the Steelers are almost always competing for a playoff spot and are considered one of the best teams in the last decade. But if I was to include management in the formula, the Steelers would end up being higher than a team like the Dolphins. The Dolphins have struggled in recent years but have finally put together a solid roster and are (in my opinion) considerably better than the Steelers. Now to the grading system.
For each category I grade them like the American grading system. 90-100 is Elite. 80-89 is Good/Great. 75-79 is average. 70-74 is slightly below average. 69 and below is either awful or to be determined. As always, rankings are going to cause some turmoil. So feel free to shout me out on Twitter @footballboymcs if you feel like talking about the reasoning for anything.
Bottom Feeders (32-30)
Texans: 62.47
Lions: 69.80
Eagles: 69.98
32: Texans
The Texans are a disaster right now. Many people argue that the coach they chose was not the best option available, especially considering they ignored Watson’s opinion on him. Speaking of Watson, well… who knows. Their quarterback score of 50 is assuming he doesn’t play. Other than the oline, there really isn’t any part of this team that stands out as anything better than awful. It’s going to be a long season.
31: Lions
The Lions I think could move quickly up the ladder here if they continue on their path. The draft for them was really good as they got some solid cornerstone players. A couple more years of tanking and we could see a formidable team here.
30: Eagles
Eagles are among the bottom 10 in terms of age for their roster. While part of their problems were due to injury last year, they really are just not that good. I love Jalen Hurts but do not think he will be a very good starter. Overall this team is super spotty and the future is bleak. Lets also remember their highest paid player is not even on their team.
The Best of the Worst (29-23)
Jets: 73.63
Raiders: 73.74
Bengals: 73.81
Giants: 74.34
Panthers: 74.64
Jaguars: 75.14
Falcons: 75.93
29: Jets
The Jets have the potential to move up extremely quickly. I don’t think their roster is as bad as the ranking. It’s just that we have to wait and see if Saleh and Wilson perform as good as they are expected to.
28: Raiders
I would say they have one of the worst outlooks in the NFL. Awful draft on top of an already below average roster. Gruden and Mayock are on the hot seat.
27: Bengals
Not a big fan of Chase over Sewell but at the end of the day at least Burrow gets a stud at WR. If he can find a way to stay upright, they might surprise some people. But until then, Bengals stay at the bottom.
26: Giants
Underrated defense. Underrated weapons. Overrated QB. Overrated OL. Put me down as a Daniel Jones non-believer.
25: Panthers
Sam Darnold needed a fresh start. With the weapons around him it’s a make or break type of year. The Panthers will fluctuate in rank by the results of Darnold this season.
24: Jaguars
I am really unhappy with the Etienne pick when you have a stud in James Robinson. Nonetheless, this team has playoff potential with the offense that they will have for the next few years. Once these guys get more seasoned and add some skill to the defense, look out AFC South.
23: Falcons
Even without Julio Jones the Falcons have a pretty good offense. The only problem is that God awful defense.
Average NFL Teams (22-17)
Vikings: 76.93
Broncos: 77.91
Bears: 78.37
Cowboys: 79.42
Titans: 79.79
22: Vikings
The Vikings have improved from last season but I don’t think its enough to warrant them a very high ranking. The team still has some holes and the defense is still unproven.
21: Broncos
I think this team is an Aaron Rodgers or Deshaun Watson away from being elite contenders. Stud weapons. Stud Defense. Awful coaching and awful Quarterback.
20: Bears
Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace saved themselves with this past draft. Justin Fields + Teven Jenkins is huge. If Rodgers leaves Green Bay, the division is there for the taking.
19: Cowboys
Even an average defense would skyrocket this ranking. The Cowboys have an almost unstoppable offense. Unfortunately, their defense still sucks. Luckily, the division is not very good so they still have a chance.
18: Titans
I am unimpressed. Outside of AJ Brown and Derrick Henry the weapons they have are weak. The defense is nothing special. Tannehill is a bright spot at least. But they also lost a great part of their offense in their play caller.
Playoff Hopefuls (17-10)
Steelers: 81.34
Chargers: 81.57
Cardinals: 81.83
Dolphins: 81.93
Football Team: 81.96
Patriots: 83.04
Seahawks: 83.61
Saints: 83.9
17: Steelers
The Steelers are only in this category because of their defense. They are trending way down and need to find a replacement for Ben plus some lineman fast.
16: Chargers
I am just as excited as everyone else is about this team, but we need to pump the brakes. Saying they will dethrone the Chiefs in that division is asinine. Not even close to that level YET.
15: Cardinals
I think this team will be solid. The toughest part will be that division they have to face. Hopefully we see Isaiah Simmons become what his potential at Clemson showed.
14: Dolphins
Tua is practically the only thing holding them back at this point. I think if he improves, this could be a dangerous team next season.
13: Football Team
Ugh. The defense these guys have is just so nice. If they were somehow to get Rodgers or Watson they would have quite the team.
12: Patriots
Disclaimer: I don’t like all of my formula rankings. I do not think the Patriots should be this high. I think they are extremely overrated, signed a bunch of overrated players in free agency, and I think they will not even sniff the playoffs. With that being said, on paper they look pretty solid. But seriously, not a fan.
11: Seahawks
Upon contrary belief, their o-line actually isn’t that bad. It’s the defense that prevents them from being in the upper stratosphere of NFL teams.
10: Saints
I know. Crazy to have them this high after everything that has happened. I think Sean Payton is a genius and will make Jameis Winston look like an absolute stud next year. They are still in good position to contend for a wildcard spot next season. And the best part is, they are also still in position to tank as well.
Superbowl Hopefuls (9-7)
Colts: 84.89
Browns: 86.06
Packers: 87.50
9: Colts
If Wentz can return to 2017 form, this will be the most dangerous team outside of the Chiefs in the AFC. Such a complete roster. And YES. That includes the receivers. Pittman Jr will go crazy next year.
8: Browns
I don’t know if I can find a legitimate weakness on this team outside of the interior defensive line. JOK was the steal of this draft. These guys can wreak some havoc next year. I can’t wait.
7: Packers
This ranking is of course assuming Rodgers is still there. When he leaves they will inevitably plummet. But for now, Rodgers could easily lead this team to at least the divisional round.
Contenders (6-3)
49ers: 88.28
Bills: 89.42
Ravens: 91.05
Rams: 91.24
6: 49ers
The 49ers are looking great for next year. If this year isn’t the superbowl push year for them, I would bet on it being next year. Trey Lance will be very exciting to watch in this offense.
5: Bills
The only thing stopping them from a superbowl is the Chiefs/Ravens at this point. They took out the Ravens last year but couldn’t finish the Chiefs. The only reason I have Ravens higher is because I think they addressed their largest issue.
4: Ravens
The ravens lack of a true number 1 wideout is now gone. With Rashod Bateman on this team, I can’t wait to see Lamar’s improvement in the passing game. Can you imagine if they were to get Julio too?
3: Rams
Adding Stafford to a solid defense plus a legendary coach makes for a great storyline. Who needs first round picks when you have success.
Superbowl Favorites (2-1)
Bucs: 95.81
Chiefs: 96.69
2: Bucs
The Bucs returned all 22 starters from last year. They have a really good chance of repeating as champions. Albeit, it will be a lot tougher this year as they are now the target with Rams/Packers/Niners looming.
1: Chiefs
After painfully watching Mahomes get shell shocked in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs did everything they could to make sure it never happens again. I think this Chiefs squad is better than 2019 with this offensive line. The league better watch out. I sniff a dynasty brewing.
Click my name at the top of the article or this link right here to see the numbers behind the rankings.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hiAR7EQfldpDrbSG5VdNxscoMuBrdFgik8UU9CJX998/edit?usp=sharing
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