Top Ten NFL Teams Most Likely to Make the Playoffs in the 2021 NFL Season

Notable Additions: Joe Thuney, Orlando Brown Jr., Kyle Long, Nick Bolton, Creed Humphrey...

The Chiefs did a good job this offseason, considering a lack of cap space. We all saw what happened in the Super Bowl, and the Chiefs acted on it. They revamped their offensive line, bringing in Joe Thuney and Kyle Long to play guard, trading for Orlando Brown Jr. to protect Mahomes' blindside, and drafting Creed Humphrey to play center. This looks like a rock-solid offensive line. Not to mention the arsenal of weapons at Patrick Mahomes' disposal, like Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. On the defensive side of the ball, KC remains relatively the same. They lost Bashaud Breeland in free agency but still have Charvarius Ward and L'Jarius Sneed at corner. This is a stacked Chiefs team, and there's no reason why they shouldn't make the playoffs this season, especially playing in such a weak division like the AFC West. It's full steam ahead for this team as they try to forget the events of Super Bowl LV.

Notable Additions: Giovani Bernard, Joe Tryon, Kyle Trask...
Here, we have our reigning Super Bowl champions. Now it was a fairly quiet offseason for them. The only notable free agent signing was running back Giovani Bernard. However, they proceeded to bring back every single one of their starters from the Super Bowl season. Yep, everyone. If that team could win the Super Bowl, than so can this one. The Bucs didn't win the division last season, but seeing as the Saints are weakened at the moment and the Falcons and Panthers are still not ready contenders, they should run away with the NFC South. With Tom Brady throwing to a stacked receiving core, and an absolutely stifling defense filled with veterans and youth alike, what's stopping this team from going back to the playoffs?

Notable Additions: Emmanuel Sanders, Matt Breida, Gregory Rousseau, Carlos Basham...
The Bills fell at the hands of the Chiefs in the AFC Championship, but if the 2020 season told us anything, it's that the Bills have a bright future for the first time in a long time. Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs spearhead a high-flying offense. Allen could very well be an MVP candidate this season. On the defensive side of the ball, one issue the Bills had last season was a stagnant pass rush. They then proceeded to take edge rushers with their first two picks in the draft. Suddenly, that defensive line looks scary. Let's not forget the fall of the Patriots. Without them in the way, the Bills have an easy path to the playoffs. The Dolphins might compete with them for a little bit, but I believe this Bills team will make the playoffs, and contend for the Super Bowl.

Notable Additions: Jadeveon Clowney, Troy Hill, Malik Jackson, John Johnson, Greg Newsome, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah...
The Browns had a very busy offseason. Fresh off beating the Steelers and winning their first playoff game in almost 20 years, Cleveland did everything they could to improve their team, and it looks like they did. Two former Rams in Hill and Johnson join what looks to be a stacked secondary, along with Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome. On offense, Baker Mayfield finally turned the corner last season, and for the first time since who knows when, the Browns might have a franchise quarterback. He has so much to work with, from a top 3 offensive line to Nick Chubb tearing it up on the ground, and Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry out wide. It might seem bold to have the Browns this high on the list, but I think they will win the AFC North this season.

Notable Additions: Julio Jones, Morgan Cox, Caleb Farley, Dillon Radunz...
First of all, just look at that Titans offense. Ryan Tannehill is going to be throwing to A.J. Brown and Julio Jones this season. Now that is a connection. Let's not forget the best running back in the NFL, Derrick Henry, in the backfield. The offense is set to be elite and play football. However, there is concern about their defense. The secondary looks like a weak spot, which is why they drafted Caleb Farley. Still, beyond him, it's the unproven Kristian Fulton and the old Janoris Jenkins. Not exactly inspiring. Linebacker also lacks depth, and the pass rush isn't ideal. Still, I think this Titans team can contend if their young players step up on defense and their offense is as elite as it looks on paper.

Notable Additions: Matthew Stafford, DeSean Jackson, Tutu Atwell...
To address the elephant in the room, the Rams immediately became contenders when they traded for Matthew Stafford. It sure is a step above Jared Goff. Stafford also has a plethora of targets to work with, including draft pick Tutu Atwell. The defense is basically Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, and everyone else. Both are dominant at their positions, and elevate the entire defense. The NFC West is a tough division, and they face stiff competition from every team. However, I believe they are the best of the four teams, and will win the division as well.

Notable Additions: Eric Stokes, Josh Myers, Amari Rodgers...
Now this is an interesting case. The Packers seem to be at odds with Aaron Rodgers right now. Some say he wants to be traded, but I'm not buying it. I still think he'll be back for the season. In terms of everything else, the Packers had a great draft. Stokes comes in to take Kevin King's spot in the secondary, Myers comes to play at center, and Amari Rodgers could potentially be Randall Cobb 2.0. They have so many elite players at their positions. One problem that remains is the defensive line. It's basically Kenny Clark and then everyone else. They need Kingsley Keke to step up big time this season, and he showed flashes last season. I fully believe this team is good enough to make the playoffs, and I believe they will, with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback too.

Notable Additions: Kevin Zeitler, Sammy Watkins, Alejandro Villanueva, Rashod Bateman, Odafe Oweh...
The Ravens won their first playoff game with Lamar Jackson last season, but fell to the Bills in the divisional round. They came into the offseason desperately needing to revamp Jackson's receiving core. They signed Sammy Watkins, who is solid, and drafted Rashod Bateman in the first round. Suddenly it looks like a solid group. The defense also got a new addition in edge rusher Odafe Oweh. This is a great Ravens defense. I think Cleveland will win the division, but I also expect Baltimore to make the playoffs.

Notable Additions: Kwity Paye, Dayo Odenyingbo, Eric Fisher...
The Colts and Titans are going to be in a fierce battle for the AFC South crown, and either of them could win it. While the Titans have their concerns on defense, it's the strength of this Colts team. It was one of the best last season, and it remains intact with the same players. The big story is on offense. Carson Wentz is reunited with Frank Reich here, and Indy is banking on him getting back to 2017 form. Now, I am a Carson Wentz believer, so I think he can get back to that form. He has an amazing offensive line, Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, but the concern comes with the receiving group. It's definitely better than the one Wentz had in Philadelphia, but it's still not great. I think the Colts will make the playoffs with their defense carrying them there.

Notable Additions: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Charles Leno, Jamin Davis, Samuel Cosmi...
Call me crazy, but I have a great feeling about this team. They made the playoffs at 7-9 last season, but they actually put up a fight against the Buccaneers. This is a talented team. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a solid quarterback, and Terry McLaurin is an underrated receiver. Their defensive line is just insane, and their secondary isn't half bad. Not to mention Jamin Davis coming in to play linebacker, and I can see this team winning the NFC East again. This time, it will be with a winning record.