Tom Brady led the Buccaneers to a 6–1 start so far in 2021. Photo courtesy of Yahoo! Sports.
We are almost halfway through the NFL season and now is a great time to take stock of the best teams in the league. Keep in mind that these standings reflect who I think the best teams overall are, not just who is playing the best right now.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6–1)
The defending Super Bowl Champions are stacked on both sides of the ball and look to only be getting better from last year. Tom Brady is having one of his strongest starts to a season ever at age 44, on pace for 5,848 yards and 48 touchdowns with only nine interceptions. Brady’s supporting cast looks even stronger than it was last year with the resurgence of Antonio Brown, Rob Gronkowski and Leonard Fournette as elite offensive threats. The Buccaneers’ secondary has been hampered with injuries lately but when the starters return this is a top five unit in the league. With Brady and the offense setting a league-topping pace and the defense a top unit when healthy, the Bucs look primed to make another deep playoff run and take a shot at a second straight Lombardi trophy.
2. Arizona Cardinals (7–0)
The only undefeated team left in the NFL, the Cardinals are a force to be reckoned with this year. Kyler Murray is playing the best football of his career and with the quality of the weapons around him, this offense has looked almost impossible to stop. Though the defense looks shaky at times, they have stepped up big in the last three games allowing 10, 14, and five points respectively. Look for the Cards to be a threat in Jan. as they make a push for the franchise’s first ever Super Bowl win.
3. Green Bay Packers (6–1)
After an abysmal 38–3 loss to start the season, the Packers again look like the Super Bowl contender they were last year. Aaron Rodgers, the reigning MVP, continues to play at an elite level and the offense remains a powerful force. The defense, while not a top unit, makes enough plays to consistently put Rodgers and the offense in positions to win games. Green Bay looks poised to challenge any team they come across in a stacked NFC.
4. Buffalo Bills (4–2)
The Bills are stacked on offense, having not scored fewer than 30 points since Week 1, and Josh Allen once again looks like an MVP candidate. They are playing with confidence and swagger and recently beat the defending AFC Champion Chiefs 38–20 in Kansas City. The defense did not look great in a recent 34–31 loss to the Titans but this team is well coached and the defense should adjust and improve as the season progresses. Look for the Bills to contend for an AFC title again this Jan.
5. Los Angeles Rams (6–1)
Quarterback Mathew Stafford has the Rams humming on offense, showing the talent that made him the first overall pick in 2009. Now, in an offense with elite weapons — NFL receiving yards leader Cooper Kupp and a great second weapon in Robert Woods — and elite coaching in Sean McVay, Stafford has emerged as an MVP candidate and led the Rams to a 6–1 record. On top of that, the defense is once again playing like one of the best in the NFL. With Aaron Donald, the best defensive player in the NFL, and Jalen Ramsey, the best defensive back in the league, leading the charge, the Rams can shut down anybody. With elite units on both sides of the ball, the Rams have a shot at winning it all.
6. Baltimore Ravens (5–2)
After a tough divisional round loss to the Bills last year, Baltimore looks ready to bounce back in a big way in the 2021 season. Lamar Jackson has the offense in a groove, scoring over 30 points in three out of their six games this season. The defense has been somewhat inconsistent but they have had moments where their potential has been on display such as holding the high powered Chargers offense to just six points in week six. The Ravens pose a formidable challenge to any team they may face in the playoffs.
7. Cincinnati Bengals (5–2)
Joe Burrow has looked much more confident in year two and the addition of his old college teammate, Ja’Marr Chase, makes the Bengals offense dangerous. In addition to Chase, the Bengals boast an elite receiving corps with Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Tight End CJ Uzomah has been a nice surprise as well, adding another big play threat. The defense has looked much improved this year as well, ranking fifth in points allowed per game with 18.5. With both units looking elite, the Bengals are poised to contend for an AFC title for the first time in years.
Josh Allen looks like an MVP candidate for the 4–2 Bills. Photo courtesy of Sky Sports.