In the few short weeks since the conclusion of Super Bowl 55, the NFL landscape has changed drastically, with many teams taking entirely new forms. PlayerProfiler is a one-stop shop for all major moves, power rankings, and honest expectations for all 32 NFL teams heading into the NFL Draft and training camp.
Glossary
Each team will be broken down as follows:
- -Overall Power Ranking and Tier – the team’s Power Ranking relative to all 32 NFL teams
- -Notable Additions – new additions that move the needle
- -Notable Losses – lost talent that matters
- -Summary
- -Expectation – the minimum we should expect in 2021 to consider the season a success
- -Expected Wins – based on a 17-game season
- -Fantasy Implication – a broad spectrum look into each team’s seasonal fantasy value
Los Angeles Rams
Overall Ranking and Tier: No. 5 (Above Average)
Notable Additions: QB Matthew Stafford, WR DeSean Jackson, LB Leonard Floyd, DC Raheem Morris
Notable Losses: QB Jared Goff, LB coach Joe Barry, DC Brandon Staley, TE Gerald Everett, DL Morgan Fox, CB Troy Hill, S John Johnson
Summary
The Rams present a challenge when trying to rank them among the top teams in the NFL. This organization is proven to have top tier coaching/game planning, and the overall talent is above average with big names on both sides of the ball. Mathew Stafford brings a big play element that Jared Goff never had in LA. The worry here is the loss of defensive coordinator Brandon Staley having a negative impact on overall defensive performance. Raheem Morris does not spark much hope coming from an Atlanta defense whose best trait was losing close games and blowing big leads.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=425leWlCFT8
Despite some turnover, the Rams fall at No. 5 overall in our pre-draft Power Rankings. Sean McVay stirs the pot in the LA, not Brandon Staley, in the same way that Bill Belichick maintains a strong defense in New England despite losing coordinators every year. Second, Stafford’s arrival is a bigger boost to the offense than the loss of Staley is a blow to the defense; and offense wins in the modern NFL. I think the Rams surprise this year a with a run at the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Expectation: Win the NFC West
Projected Wins: 13
Fantasy implication: – I’ll be buying the top options at each skill position, but I’m passing on the depth options since this team will win with a combination of explosive playmaking and ball control.
Seattle Seahawks
Overall Ranking and Tier: No. 8 (Above Average)
Notable Additions: TE Gerald Everett, Re-signed RB Chris Carson, OG Gabe Jackson, Re-signed DE Carlos Dunlap
Notable Losses: TE Jacob Hollister, CB Quinton Dunbar, LB Shaquem Griffin, CB Shaquill Griffin, G Mike Iupati
Summary
Any armchair analyst worth their salt has echoed cries of anger for years when it comes to Seattle’s approach to roster construction. Pete Carroll’s run-first mentality is a weekly disappointment for fans. A discontent Russell Wilson develops the drama around this team. Nobody wants to admit it, but this team is good at football with Wilson at the helm, and players like playing for Carroll. This team is not elite, but a top ten ranking is the correct value. My faith is bolstered by the addition of offensive guard Gabe Jackson. This team will build up wins despite notable free agent losses and poor draft capital.
Expectation: Make the Playoffs
Projected Wins: 10-12
Fantasy Implications: Draft D.K. Metcalf in redraft, Tyler Lockett in best ball, Russell Wilson wherever you can get him, and Chris Carson if you want to win but don’t want to have fun doing it.
Arizona Cardinals
Overall Ranking and Tier: No. 11 (Average, Upper)
Notable additions: WR A.J. Green, DE J.J. Watt, C Rodney Hudson + 3 OL, Re-Signed DE Markus Golden, CB Malcolm Butler + 3 DBs, K Matt Prater, HB James Connor
Notable losses: HB Kenyan Drake, CB Patrick Peterson
Summary
Arizona is primed and ready for blast off. Placing them in the top 12 feels a tad optimistic, but I believe they will improve on their 8-8 finish in 2020 for three reasons. First, they returned all key contributors and added upper level talent at multiple key positions. Second, Kyler Murray will be healthy, with hopes that he stays that way for the whole season. Last but not least, the timing is perfect.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-QU0ql3oME
Murray and Kliff Kingsbury enter their third year in this marriage. Three years of learning each other’s tendencies and three years of building this team/scheme. Murray is still on a cheap rookie deal, and the cohesion of scheme and talent appears ready for lift off. The ingredients are there for success, even considering the questionable gameplanning of past seasons.
Expectation: Make the Playoffs
Projected Wins: 8-10
Fantasy Implications: This offense will be good for fantasy playing in a competitive division.
San Francisco 49ers
Overall Ranking and Tier: No. 14 (Average, Upper)
Notable Additions: Re signed OT Trent Williams, C Alex Mack, Re-signed FB Kyle Juszczyk, Re-signed CB Emmanuel Moseley, LB Nathan Gerry , promoted OC/DC from within
Notable Losses: DC Robert Saleh, passing game coordinator Mike Lafluer, DL Solomon Thomas
Summary
The 49ers have strong leaders ship and team building to support a talented roster. This team is expected to be a relevant contributor to the league every season. Our expectations must be realistic dependent on the starting quarterback. The move to trade up for a premium draft pick to select a rookie signals that 2021 is not an all-in year. Jimmy Garoppolo can lead this team to a winning season over 17 games.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRbdS95cibE
The concern for the wins total is that premium quarterbacks often get named the starter during their rookie season. The 49ers are ranked as an “average” team for 2021, with the assumption that Garoppolo will not start a full season.
Expectation: Finish Above .500
Projected Wins: 7-9
Fantasy Implication: Kyle Shanahan loves to spread the ball around, aim for the cheaper options and George Kittle.
Conclusion
The NFC West is the poster child for team building. This division presents strong rosters with depth and attention to the right details. These teams will produce a good football product and multiple will be playing on Wild Card weekend. This division plays two beatable divisions with matchups against NFC North and AFC South teams.
