NFL power rankings heading into Week 1. Coaches on the hot seat entering 2021 season.
There are just two more sleeps until the Dallas Cowboys and defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers open up the 2021 NFL season on Thursday night.
Each team might enter the regular season with a 0-0 clean slate and hopes of a playoff run, but USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis points out that there is a hierarchy to the league and expectations differ for the 32 teams.
Even with the pre-Week 1 optimism permeating around the league, there are coaches who enter the season on the hot seat, already under pressure to get their respective teams off to a strong start.
NFL news, notes and analysis
- 12 players who could make big leap in 2021: Each season provides the opportunity for young players to seize the stage, and these potential standouts look ready to do so this year.
- Texans name starting QB: Deshaun Watson still might be on the team's roster, but Tyrod Taylor will start Week 1 vs. the Jaguars.
- Ravens award Mark Andrews: Baltimore made its tight end one of the highest-paid at his position.
- Cowboys could be without six-time Pro Bowler on Thursday night: Right guard Zack Martin tested positive for COVID-19, and is unlikely to be available for the NFL season opener.
- Why Patriots players believe in Mac Jones: There were moments this summer when Patriots players knew Jones had the potential to be something special.
- Dolphins place key starter on COVID-19 list: Starting left tackle Austin Jackson, as well as backup tight end Adam Shaheen, were put on the NFL's COVID-19 list Monday.
- What was learned about Jordan Love: Aaron Rodgers' expected eventual successor saw extensive on-field action during training camp and the preseason.
- How Titans zeroed in on fixing biggest flaw: The Titans' new-look defense will have its first test Week 1 against the Cardinals.
- Pressing QB questions for every team: There are a good deal of unknowns, even for teams with some of the most proven quarterbacks.
- NFL's biggest offseason mistakes: Several teams' decisions in free agency and the draft could have a big impact on their 2021 fortunes.
- NFL record projections: Breaking down every teams' expected win-loss totals heading into the first-ever 17-game regular season.
NFL Week 1 schedule
Thursday
Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
Sunday
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Los Angeles Chargers at Washington Football Team, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
New York Jets at Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
Denver Broncos at New York Giants, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
Monday
Baltimore Ravens at Las Vegas Raiders, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN2)
Fantasy football: Draft strategy, rankings, tips
If you still a fantasy football draft to look forward to, we are here to help.
- Rankings: Top 200 | Position-by-position
- Lists: Breakout players | Sleepers | Busts | Risk-reward picks | All-value team
- One fantasy sleeper from every NFL team
- 9 players to consider not drafting at all
- 7 players getting picked too low in fantasy drafts
- 8 veterans whose fantasy value should soar after changing teams
- Are the 2021 first-round picks worth drafting for your fantasy team?
- Fantasy draft tips, trends to help you succeed
- How to approach each first-round pick
NFL Facebook group: Join now!
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