Dec 20, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) greets wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) before the NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
As we prepare for training camps in July, here are the NFL power rankings for the NFC with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on top.
16. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have the least talent of any team in the league. Atlanta is going to struggle to win more than four game.s
15. Seattle Seahawks
If the Seahawks start the season with Drew Lock or Geno Smith under center, they are actively aiming for the No. 1 overall pick in 2023.
14. Chicago Bears
No team has done less to surround their young, franchise quarterback. Justin Fields has Darrell Mooney on the outside and little else.
13. Carolina Panthers
Carolina is trying to win, but the quarterback situation is a disaster and third-year head coach Matt Rhule has proven little over his tenure. Could be another tough year in Charlotte.
12. New York Giants
The Giants have some offensive pieces and a new head coach in Brian Daboll, but can New York figure something out on the defensive side?
11. Detroit Lions
This is actually a big jump for the Lions, who threatened to go winless last year. Detroit has added significant talent in the draft and should make a jump in head coach Dan Campbell’s second year.
10. Washington Commanders
Will Carson Wentz bring the Commanders back to the playoffs after missing them a year ago? He’s an upgrade over Taylor Heinicke, but is it enough?
9. Arizona Cardinals
It’s time for Kyler Murray and the Cardinals to step up and get rolling. Arizona has faded each of the past two years.
8. New Orleans Saints
The Saints have added some talent in the offseason with receiver Jarvis Landry, safety Tyrann Mathieu and two first-round picks, but what to make of Jameis Winston?
7. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota has a first-time head coach in Kevin O’Connell and ample talent. The Vikings could be the biggest wild card in the NFC.
6. San Francisco 49ers
Who is the quarterback? If the Niners get decent play rom under center, they’ll be a threat to get into the Super Bowl for the second time in four years.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
This team is loaded and ready to make a postseason run if third-year quarterback Jalen Hurts can step up and become a more consistent passer.
4. Dallas Cowboys
The talent is there for the Cowboys, but can head coach Mike McCarthy get them to play a more disciplined brand of ball?
3. Green Bay Packers
The offense will take a step back without receiver Davante Adams, but the defense could — and should — be one of the league’s best.
2. Los Angeles Rams
Defending champions deserve respect, but are the Rams the league’s best? They lost plenty this offseason in retirement and free agency, but they remain a huge threat.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are very old, but they have the most complete roster in the league.
