NFL preview: Here's what to know about the 2021 season
Buccaneers and Cowboys kick off NFL schedule tonight
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The 2021 NFL season kicked off Thursday night when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tom Brady begin their Super Bowl title defense in a win over the Dallas Cowboys.
This season will be a little different than seasons past. The NFL added another week to the schedule, and for the first time in history, teams will be playing 17 games instead of 16. The league is also still dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and changed some of its rules for those who are vaccinated.
Here’s what to know about the forthcoming season.
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17 Games
The 17-game season begins Sept. 9 when the Bucs take on the Cowboys on NBC. There will be a full slate of games on Sunday and one game on Monday in the first week of the year. There will be no team that will finish with a .500 record, and the extra game could have a big effect on the playoff picture.
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COVID Rules
The NFL isn’t looking to postpone or alter schedules this season over coronavirus outbreaks as it did last season with some teams competing on Tuesdays or games doubling up on Mondays. The NFL told teams that if there’s an outbreak among unvaccinated layers, the team with the outbreak will forfeit and be hit with a loss. Players will also not get paid for the canceled contest with teams being subject to discipline.
Additionally, vaccinated players or staff who tested positive for the coronavirus and are asymptomatic can return to the field after two negative tests 24 hours apart. Non-vaccinated players who tested positive will need a 10-day isolation period. The NFLPA had called on the NFL to test players every day to prevent outbreaks among vaccinated players.
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Super Bowl LVI
Los Angeles Rams fans cheer during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium Aug 21, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Super Bowl LVI will be played at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Feb. 13, 2022.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Read below for a list of projected starters for each team.
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs ahead of San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (23) during the second half of an NFL football game Dec. 26, 2020, Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File) (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
2020 record: 8-8
2020 finish: 3rd NFC West
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Head coach: Kliff Kingsbury
Offense: Kyler Murray (QB), Chase Edmonds (RB), AJ Green (WR), DeAndre Hopkins (WR), Christian Kirk (WR), Maxx Williams (TE), DJ Humphries (T), Kelvin Beachum (T), Rodney Hudson (C), Justin Pugh (G), Justin Murray (G)
Defense: Robert Alford (CB), Byron Murphy (CB), Budda Baker (S), Jalen Thompson (S), JJ Watt (DE), Leki Fotu (DT), Rashard Lawrence (NT), Chandler Jones (LB), Isaiah Simmons (LB), Zaven Collins (LB), Markus Golden (LB)
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Special Teams: Matt Prater (K), Andy Lee (P)
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Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, right, stands on the sidelines during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
2020 record: 4-12
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}2020 finish: 4th NFC South
Head coach: Arthur Smith
Offense: Matt Ryan (QB), Mike Davis (RB), Calvin Ridley (WR), Russell Gage (WR), Hayden Hurst (TE), Lee Smith (TE), Jake Matthews (T), Kaleb McGary (T), Matt Hennessy (C), Colby Gossett (G), Chris Lindstrom (G)
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Defense: AJ Terrell (CB), Fabian Moreau (CB), Erik Harris (S), Duron Harmon (S), Grady Jarrett (DL), Tyeler Davison (DL), Jonathan Bullard (DL), Deion Jones (LB), Foyesade Oluokun (LB), Steven Means (LB)
Special Teams: Younghoe Koo (K), Cameron Nizialek (P)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson looks downfield before throwing the ball against the Washington Football Team during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
2020 record: 11-5
2020 finish: 2nd AFC North
Head coach: John Harbaugh
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Offense: Lamar Jackson (QB), Gus Edwards (RB), Patrick Ricard (FB), Sammy Watkins (WR), Marquise Brown (WR), Mark Andrews (TE), Ronnie Staley (T), Alejandro Villanueva (T), Bradley Bozeman (C), Ben Cleveland (G), Kevin Zeitler (G)
Defense: Marcus Peters (CB), Marlon Humphrey (CB), Chuck Clark (S), DeShon Elliott (S), Derek Wolfe (DE), Calais Campbell (DT), Brandon Williams (NT), Pernell McPhee (LB), Patrick Queen (LB), Malik Harrison (LB), Tyus Bowser (LB)
Special Teams: Justin Tucker (K), Sam Koch (P)
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}BRADY, BUCCANEERS BEGIN DEFENSE OF TITLE AGAINST COWBOYS
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Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs tosses a ball during NFL football practice July 31, 2021, in Orchard Park, N.Y. For all the individual feats Diggs accomplished in his first season in Buffalo, the receiver is most proud of the vote of confidence he earned from his teammates in being named a captain entering this year. (AP Photo/Joshua Bessex, File) (AP Photo/Joshua Bessex, File)
2020 record: 13-3
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}2020 finish: 1st AFC East
Head coach: Sean McDermott
Offense: Josh Allen (QB), Devin Singletary (RB), Emmanuel Sanders (WR), Stefon Diggs (WR), Cole Beasley (WR), Dion Dawkins (T), Daryl Williams (T), Mitch Morse (C), Jon Feliciano (G), Cody Ford (G)
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Defense: Tre’Davious White (CB), Levi Wallace (CB), Jordan Poyer (S), Micah Hyde (S), Jerry Hughes (DE), Mario Addison (DE), Star Loutulelei (DT), Ed Oliver (DT), Matt Milano (LB), Tremaine Edmunds (LB), Taron Johnson (NB)
Special Teams: Tyler Bass (K), Matt Haack (P)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold warm ups before a preseason NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers Aug. 27, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. Darnold gears up to face his former team, the New York Jets, in the season opener on Sunday. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File) (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)
2020 record: 5-11
2020 finish: 3rd NFC South
Head coach: Matt Rhule
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Offense: Sam Darnold (QB), Christian McCaffrey (RB), D.J. Moore (WR), Robby Anderson (WR), Terrace Marshall Jr (WR), Dan Arnold (TE), Cameron Erving (T), Taylor Moton (T), Matt Paradis (C), Pat Elfein (G), Dennis Daley (G)
Defense: Donte Jackson (CB), Jaycee Horn (CB), Juston Burris (S), Jeremy Chinn (S), Brian Burns (DE), Morgan Fox (DE), Derrick Brown (DT), DaQuan Jackson (DT), Shaq Thompson (LB), Jermaine Carter Jr. (LB), Haason Reddick (LB)
Special Teams: Ryan Santoso (K), Joseph Charlton (P)
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Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson II (12) runs from Minnesota Vikings cornerback Chris Jones (26) after catching a pass during the second half of an NFL football game Dec. 20, 2020, in Minneapolis. Robinson insisted a contract negotiation that left him playing this season on the franchise tag rather than a multiyear deal did not give him a chip on his shoulder or an extra desire to show his worth. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File)
2020 record: 8-8
2020 finish: 2nd NFC North
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Head coach: Matt Nagy
Offense: Andy Dalton (QB), David Montgomery (RB), Allen Robinson (WR), Darnell Mooney (WR), Marquise Goodwin (WR), Cole Kmet (TE), Elijah Wilkinson (T), Germain Ifedi (T), Sam Mustipher (C), Cody Whitehair (G), James Daniels (G)
Defense: Jaylon Johnson (CB), Kindle Vildor (CB), Tashaun Gipson (S), Eddie Jackson (S), Akiem Hicks (DT), Eddie Goldman (NT), Bilal Nichols (DE), Khalil Mack (LB), Christian Jones (LB), Roquan Smith (LB), Robert Quinn (LB)
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Special Teams: Cairo Santos (K), Pat O’Donnell (P)
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Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow, left, talks with Ja'Marr Chase (1) during NFL football practice in Cincinnati, Tuesday, May 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster) (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
2020 record: 4-11-1
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}2020 finish: 4th AFC North
Head coach: Zac Taylor
Offense: Joe Burrow (QB), Joe Mixon (RB), Ja’Marr Chase (WR), Tyler Boyd (WR), Tee Higgins (WR), C.J. Uzomah (TE), Jonah Williams (T), Riley Reiff (T), Trey Hopkins (C), Quinton Spain (G), Xavier Su’a-Filo (G)
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Defense: Trae Waynes (CB), Chidobe Awuzie (CB), Vonn Bell (S), Jessie Bates (S), Sam Hubbard (DE), Trey Hendrickson (DE), Larry Ogunjobi (DT), D.J. Reader (DT), Logan Wilson, Germaine Pratt (LB), Logan Wilson (LB)
Special Teams: Evan McPherson (K), Kevin Huber (P)
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Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield throws a pass during NFL football practice Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021, in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane) (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
2020 record: 11-5
2020 finish: 3rd AFC North
Head coach: Kevin Stefanski
Offense: Baker Mayfield (QB), Nick Chubb (RB), Jarvis Landry (WR), Odell Beckham Jr, (WR), Donovan Peoples-Jones (WR), Austin Hooper (TE), Jedrick Willis (T), Jack Conklin (T), JC Tretter (C), Joel Bitonio (G), Wyatt Teller (G)
Defense: Denzel Ward (CB), Greedy Williams (CB), Ronnie Harrison (S), John Johnson III (S), Myles Garrett (DE), Jadeveon Clowney (DE), Malik Jackson (DT), Andrew Billings (DT), Sione Takitaki (LB), Anthony Walker (LB), Mack Wilson (LB)
Special Teams: Chase McLaughlin (K), Jamie Gillan (P)
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Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott jogs onto the practice field for a workout at the team's NFL football training facility in Frisco, Texas, Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
2020 record: 6-10
2020 finish: 3rd NFC East
Head coach: Mike McCarthy
Offense: Dak Prescott (QB), Ezekiel Elliott (RB), Amari Cooper (WR), Michael Gallup (WR), CeeDee Lamb (WR), Blake Jarwin (TE), Tyron Smith (T), La’el Collins (T), Tyler Biadasz (C),
Defense: Trevon Diggs (CB), Anthony Brown (CB), Damontae Kazee (S), Donovan Wilson (S), Demarcus Lawrence (DE), Randy Gregory (DE), Carlos Watkins (DT), Osa Odighizuwa (DT), Micah Parsons (LB), Jaylon Smith (LB), Leighton Vander Esch (LB)
Special Teams: Greg Zuerlein (K), Bryan Anger (P)
TOM BRADY MIGHT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THESE COWBOYS PLAYERS AFTER JERSEY RULE COMPLAINT
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Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller watches from the sidelines during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
2020 record: 5-11
2020 finish: 4th AFC West
Head coach: Vic Fangio
Offense: Teddy Bridgewater (QB), Javonte Williams (RB), Courtland Sutton (WR), Jerry Jeudy (WR), K.J. Hamler (WR), Noah Fant (TE), Garett Bolles (T), Calvin Anderson (T), Lloyd Cushenberry III (C), Dalton Risner (G), Graham Glasgow (G)
Defense: Kyle Fuller (CB), Ronald Darby (CB), Kareem Jackson (S), Justin Simmons (S), Dre’Mont Jones (DE), Shelby Harris (DE), Mike Purcell (DT), Von Miller (LB), Alexander Johnson (LB), Josey Jewell (LB), Bradley Chubb (LB),
Special Teams: Brandon McManus (K), Sam Martin (P)
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Detroit Lions
In this Aug. 13, 2021, file photo, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff drops back to pass during the first half of the team's preseason NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Detroit. The Lions made a lot of changes in the offseason by bringing in a new general manager, coach and quarterback. General manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell might be able to eventually turn the team around, but it's difficult to envision that happening this season with quarterback Goff and a defense that might not be better than last year's historically bad unit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File) (AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File)
2020 record: 5-11
2020 finish: 4th NFC North
Head coach: Dan Campbell
Offense: Jared Goff (QB), D’Andre Swift (RB), Kalif Raymond (WR), Tyrell Williams (WR), Quintez Cephus (WR), T.J. Hockenson (TE), Taylor Decker (T), Penei Sewell (T), Frank Ragnow (C), Jonah Jackson (G), Halapoulivaati (G)
Defense: Amani Oruwariye (CB), Jeff Okudah (CB), Will Harris (S), Tracy Walker (S), Michael Brockers (DE), Nicholas Williams (DE), Alim McNeill (DT), Trey Flowers (LB), Alex Anzalone (LB), Jamie Collins (LB), Romeo Okwara (LB)
Special Teams: Austin Seibert (K), Jack Fox (P)
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Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) shares a laugh with wide receivers Davante Adams (17) and Randall Cobb (18) during NFL football training camp in Green Bay, Wisc., in this Saturday, July 31, 2021, file photo. Adams says the addition of veteran Randall Cobb has made it easier to provide leadership to the team’s younger receivers. But it’s also made it tougher for those other receivers to make the 53-man roster. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke, File) (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke, File)
2020 record: 13-3
2020 finish: 1st NFC North
Head coach: Matt LaFleur
Offense: Aaron Rodgers (QB), Aaron Jones (RB), Davante Adams (WR), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR), Randall Cobb (WR), Robert Tonyan (TE), Elgton Jenkins (T), Billy Turner (T), Josh Myers (C), Lucas Patrick (G), Royce Newman (G)
Defense: Jaire Alexander (CB), Kevin King (CB), Darnell Savage Jr (S), Adrian Amos (S), Dean Lowry (DE), Kingsley Keke (DE), Kenny Clark (DT), Preston Smith (LB), Krys Barnes (LB), De’Vondre Campbell (LB), Za’Darius Smith (LB)
Special Teams: Mason Crosby (K), Corey Bojorquez (P)
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Houston Texans
Houston Texans quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) looks to throw a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex) (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
2020 record: 4-12
2020 finish: 3rd AFC South
Head coach: David Culley
Offense: Tyrod Taylor (QB), Mark Ingram (RB), Phillip Lindsay (RB), Brandon Cooks (WR), Chris Conley (WR), Pharaoh Brown (TE), Laremy Tunsil (T), Tytus Howard (T), Justin Britt (C), Max Scharping (G), Justin McCray (G)
Defense: Terrance Mitchell (CB), Desmond King II (CB), Eric Murray (S), Justin Reid (S), Whitney Mercilus (DE), Jordan Jenkins (DE), Vincent Taylor (DT), Maliek Collins (DT), Kevin Pierre-Louis (LB), Zach Cunningham (LB), Christian Kirksey (LB)
Special Teams: Ka’imi Fairbairn (K), Cameron Johnston (P)
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Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) at Grand Park Jul 28, 2021, in Westfield, Ind. (Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports) (Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports)
2020 record: 11-5
2020 finish: 2nd AFC South
Head coach: Frank Reich
Offense: Carson Wentz (QB), Jonathan Taylor (RB), Mike Strachan (WR), Michael Pittman Jr (WR), Zach Pascal (WR), Jack Doyle (TE), Eric Fisher (T), Braden Smith (T), Ryan Kelly (C), Chris Reed (G), Mark Glowinski (G)
Defense: TJ Carrie (CB), Xavier Rhodes (CB), Khari Willis (S), Julian Blackmon (S), Kwity Payne (DE), Tyquan Lewis (DE), DeForest Buckner (DT), Grover Stewart (DT), Zaire Franklin (LB), Bobby Okereke (LB), Darius Leonard (LB)
Special Teams: Rodrigo Blankenship (K), Rigoberto Sanchez (P)
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Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars' Laviska Shenault Jr., left, Trevor Lawrence (16) and Phillip Dorsett II (13) talk on the sideline in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth) ((AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth))
2020 record: 1-15
2020 finish: 4th AFC South
Head coach: Urban Meyer
Offense: Trevor Lawrence (QB), James Robinson (RB), DJ Chark (WR), Marvin Jones (WR), Laviska Shenault Jr. (WR), Chris Manhertz (TE), Cam Robinson (T), Jawaan Taylor (T), Brandon Linder (C), Andrew Norwell (G), AJ Cann (G)
Defense: Shaquill Griffin (CB), Tre Herndon (CB), Rudy Ford (S), Rayshawn Jenkins (S), Roy Robertson-Harris (DE), Malcom Brown (DT), Davon Hamilton (DT), Josh Allen (LB), Myles Jack (LB), Damien Wilson (LB), K’Lavon Chaisson (LB)
Special Teams: Josh Lambo (K), Logan Cooke (P)
JAGUARS NAME TREVOR LAWRENCE WEEK 1 STARTER
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Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
2020 record: 14-2
2020 finish: 1st AFC West
Head coach: Andy Reid
Offense: Patrick Mahomes (QB), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB), Tyreek Hill (WR), Mecole Hardman (WR), Travis Kelce (TE), Orlando Brown (T), Lucas Niang (T), Creed Humphrey (C), Joe Thuney (G), Trey Smith (G)
Defense: Charvarious Ward (CB), L’Jarius Sneed (CB), Mike Hughes (CB), Armani Watts (S), Daniel Sorensen (S), Chris Jones (DE), Frank Clark (DE), Jarran Reed (DT), Derrick Nnadi (DT), Nick Bolton (LB), Anthony Hitchens
Special Teams: Harrison Butker (K), Tommy Townsend (P)
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Las Vegas Raiders
In this uesday, June 15, 2021, file photo, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Yannick Ngakoue takes part in a drill during an NFL football practice in Henderson, Nev. The Raiders bolstered the pass rush with the addition of edge rusher Ngakoue and defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson and added help in the secondary in veteran cornerback Casey Hayward and rookie safety Tre'von Moehrig. (AP Photo/John Locher, File) (AP Photo/John Locher, File)
2020 record: 8-8
2020 finish: 2nd AFC West
Head coach: Jon Gruden
Offense: Derek Carr (QB), Josh Jacobs (RB), Henry Ruggs III (WR), Bryan Edwards (WR), Hunter Renfrow (WR), Darren Waller (TE), Kolton Miller (T), Alex Leatherwood (T), Andre James (C), Richie Incognito (G), Denzelle Good (G)
Defense: Trayvon Mullen (CB), Casey Hayward (CB), Johnathan Abram (S), Trevon Moehrig (S), Maxx Crosby (DE), Yannick Ngakoue (DE), Johnathan Hankins (DT), Quinton Jefferson (DT), Denzel Perryman (LB), Nick Kwiatkowski (LB), Cory Littleton (LB)
Special Teams: Daniel Carlson (K), AJ Cole III (P)
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Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert watches from the sidelines in the second half against the Los Angeles Rams Aug. 14, 2021, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
2020 record: 7-9
2020 finish: 3rd AFC West
Head coach: Brandon Staley
Offense: Justin Herbert (QB), Austin Ekeler (RB), Keenan Allen (WR), Mike Williams (WR), Jalen Guyton (WR), Jared Cook (TE), Rashawn Slater (T), Bryan Bulaga (T), Corey Linsley (C), Matt Feiler (G), Oday Aboushi (G)
Defense: Michael Davis (CB), Chris Harris Jr (CB), Nasir Adderlay (S), Derwin James (S), Joey Bosa (DL), Jerry Tillery (DL), Linval Joseph (DL), Justin Jones (DL), Uchenna Nwosu (LB), Kenneth Murray (LB), Drue Tranquill (LB)
Special Teams: Tristan Vizcaino (K), Ty Long (P)
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Los Angeles Rams
In this June 4, 2021, file photo, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford passes during an NFL football practice in Thousand Oaks, Calif. With trips to the Super Bowl still in their recent memories, the Rams and the San Francisco 49ers made the decision this offseason that they needed more dynamic quarterback play to remain contenders in the long run. That led both NFC West rivals to make aggressive moves, trading multiple first-round picks to bring Stafford to Los Angeles and rookie Trey Lance to San Francisco. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File) (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
2020 record: 10-6
2020 finish: 2nd NFC West
Head coach: Sean McVay
Offense: Matthew Stafford (QB), Sony Michel (RB), Cooper Kupp (WR), Van Jefferson (WR), Robert Woods (WR), Tyler Higbee (TE), Andrew Whitworth (T), Rob Havenstein (T), Brian Allen (C), David Edwards (G), Austin Corbett (G)
Defense: Darious Williams (CB), Jalen Ramsey (CB), Jordan Fuller (S), Taylor Rapp (S), A’Shawn Robinson (DE), Sebastian Joseph-Day (NT), Aaron Donald (DT), Justin Hollins (LB), Leonard Floyd (LB), Kenny Young (LB), Troey Reeder (LB)
Special Teams: Matt Gay (K), Johnny Hekker (P)
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Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) hands the ball to running back Salvon Ahmed (26) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
2020 record: 10-6
2020 finish: 2nd AFC East
Head coach: Brian Flores
Offense: Tua Tagovailia (QB), Myles Gaskin (RB), DeVante Parker (WR), Jaylen Waddle (WR), Albert Wilson (WR), Mike Gesicki (TE), Greg Little (T), Jesse Davis (T), Michael Deiter (C), Liam Eichenberg (G), Robert Hunt (G)
Defense: Xavien Howard (CB), Byron Jones (CB), Justin Coleman (CB), Eric Rowe (S), Jason McCourty (S), Christian Wilkins (DE), Emmanuel Obgah (DE), Raekwon Davis (DT), Jerome Baker (LB), Sam Eguavoen (LB), Andrew Van Ginkel (LB)
Special Teams: Jason Sanders (K), Michael Palardy (P)
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Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) carries for a touchdown in front of New Orleans Saints free safety Marcus Williams (43) in the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Brett Duke) (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
2020 record: 7-9
2020 finish: 3rd NFC North
Head coach: Mike Zimmer
Offense: Kirk Cousins (QB), Dalvin Cook (RB), Justin Jefferson (WR), Adam Thielen (WR), KJ Osborn (WR), Christopher Herndon (TE), Rashod Hill (T), Brian O’Neill (T), Garrett Bradbury (C), Ezra Cleveland (G), Olisaemeka Udoh (G)
Defense: Patrick Peterson (CB), Bashaud Breeland (CB), Harrison Smith (S), Xavier Woods (S), Danielle Hunter (DE), Stephen Weatherly (DE), Michael Pierce (DT), Dalvin Tomlinson (DT), Anthony Barr (LB), Eric Kendricks (LB), Nick Vigil (LB)
Special Teams: Greg Joseph (K), Jordan Berry (P)
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New England Patriots
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) drops back to pass during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
2020 record: 7-9
2020 finish: 3rd AFC East
Head coach: Bill Belichick
Offense: Mac Jones (QB), JJ Taylor (RB), Nelson Agholor (WR), Jakobi Meyers (WR), Kendrick Bourne (WR), Jonnu Smith (TE), Isaiah Wynn (T), Trent Brown (T), David Andrews (C), Michael Onwenu (G), Shaq Mason (G)
Defense: JC Jackson (CB), Jalen Mills (CB), Adrian Phillips (S), Devin McCourty (S), Deatrich Wise Jr (DE), Henry Anderson (DE), Lawrence Guy (DT), Davon Godchaux (DT), Matt Judon (LB), Dont’a Hightower (LB), Kyle Van Noy (L)B
Special Teams: Quinn Nordin (K), Jake Bailey (P)
PATRIOTS 2021 SEASON SIMULATION PREDICTS WHICH QB WILL FARE BETTER – MAC JONES OR CAM NEWTON?
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New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) throws a pass during the team's NFL football training camp practice in Metairie, La., Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021. (Max Becherer/The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate via AP) ((Max Becherer/The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate via AP))
2020 record: 12-4
2020 finish: 1st NFC South
Head coach: Sean Payton
Offense: Jameis Winston (QB), Alvin Kamara (RB), Marquez Calaway (WR), Tre’Quan Smith (WR), Deonte Harris (WR), Adam Trautman (TE), Terron Armstead (T), Ryan Ramczyk (T), Erik McCoy (C), Andrus Peat (G), Cesar Ruiz (G), Taysom Hill
Defense: Ken Crawley (CB), Marshon Lattimore (CB), Malcolm Jenkins (S), Marcus Williams (S), Cameron Jordan (DE), Marcus Davenport (DE), Malcolm Roach (DT), Shy Tuttle (DT), Kaden Elliss (LB), Demario Davis (LB), Kwon Alexander (LB)
Special Teams: Aldrick Rosas (K), Blake Gillikin (P)
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New York Giants
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, right, talks to teammates before an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray) (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
2020 record: 6-10
2020 finish: 2nd NFC East
Head coach: Joe Judge
Offense: Daniel Jones (QB), Saquon Barkley (RB), Kenny Golladay (WR), Sterling Shepard (WR), Kadarius Toney (WR), Evan Engram (TE), Andrew Thomas (T), Matt Peart (T), Nick Gates (C), Shane Lemieux (G), Will Hernandez (G)
Defense: James Bradberry (CB), Adoree Jackson (CB), Jabrill Peppers (S), Logan Ryan (S), Leonard Williams (DL), Austin Johnson (DL), Dexter Lawrence II (DE), Lorenzo Carter (LB), Blake Martinez (LB), Tae Crowder (LB), Oshane Ximines (LB)
Special Teams: Graham Gano (K), Riley Dixon (P)
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New York Jets
New York Jets' Zach Wilson throws during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
2020 record: 2-14
2020 finish: 4th AFC East
Head coach: Robert Saleh
Offense: Zach Wilson (QB), Tevin Coleman (RB), Corey Davis (WR), Denzel Mims (WR), Keelan Cole (WR), Ryan Griffin (TE), Mekhi Barton (T), George Fant (T), Connor McGovern (C), Alijah Vera-Tucker (G), Greg Van Roten (G)
Defense: Brandin Echols (CB), Bryce Hall (CB), Marcus Maye (S), LaMarcus Joyner (S), Shaq Lawson (DE), Quinnen Williams (DT), Folorunso Fatukasi (DT), John Franklin-Myers (DE), CJ Mosley (LB), Jamien Sherwood (LB), Hamsah Nasirildeen (LB)
Special Teams: Matt Ammendola (K), Braden Mann (P)
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Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) prepares to take the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers Aug. 12, 2021, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports) (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
2020 record: 4-11-1
2020 finish: 4th NFC East
Head coach: Nick Sirianni
Offense: Jalen Hurts (QB, Miles Sanders (RB), Devonta Smith (WR), Greg Ward Jr (WR), Jalen Reagor (WR), Zach Ertz (TE), Jordan Mailata (T), Lane Johnson (T), Jason Kelce (C), Isaac Seumalo (G), Brandon Brooks (G)
Defense: Steven Nelson (CB), Darius Slay (CB), Anthony Harris (S), K’Von Wallace (S), Derek Barnett (DE), Brandon Graham (DE), Fletcher Cox (DT), Javon Hargrave (DT), Genard Avery (LB), Eric Wilson (LB, Alex Singleton (LB)
Special Teams: Jake Elliott (K), Arryn Siposs (P)
EAGLES 2021 SEASON SIMULATION PREDICTS WHICH QB WILL FARE BETTER – JALEN HURTS OR GARDNER MINSHEW?
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Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) makes a reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
2020 record: 12-4
2020 finish: 1st AFC North
Head coach: Mike Tomlin
Offense: Ben Roethlisberger (QB), Najee Harris (RB), JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR), Chase Claypool (WR), Diontae Johnson (WR), Eric Ebron (TE), Chukwuma Okorafor (T), Joe Haeg (T), JC Hassenauer (C), Kevin Dotson (G), Trai Turner (G)
Defense: Joe Haden (CB), Cameron Sutton (CB), Minkah Fitzpatrick (S), Terrell Edmunds (S), Chris Wormley (DE), Cameron Heyward (DT), Tyson Alualu (DT), TJ Watt (LB), Devin Bush Jr (LB), Joe Schobert (LB), Alex Highsmith (LB)
Special Teams: Chris Boswell (K), Pressley Harvin III (P)
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San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Trey Lance (5) and Jimmy Garoppolo (10) walk across the field during an NFL football open practice, Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron) (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
2020 record: 6-10
2020 finish: 4th NFC West
Head coach: Kyle Shanahan
Offense: Jimmy Garoppolo (QB), Raheem Mostert (RB), Brandon Aiyuk (WR), Deebo Samuel (WR), Mohamed Sanu (WR), George Kittle (TE), Trent Williams (T), Mike McGlinchey (T), Alex Mack (C), Laken Tomlinson (G), Daniel Brunskill (G)
Defense: Jason Verrett (CB), Ambry Thomas (CB), Jaquiski Tartt (S), Jimmie Ward (S), Arik Armstead (DE), Nick Bosa (DE), Zach Kerr (DT), Javon Kinlaw (DT), Dre Greenlaw (LB), Fred Warner (LB), Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (LB)
Special Teams: Robbie Gould (K), Mitch Wishnowsky (P)
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Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) points upward before the start of the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
2020 record: 12-4
2020 finish: 1st NFC West
Head coach: Pete Carroll
Offense: Russell Wilson (QB), Chris Carson (RB), DK Metcalf (WR), Tyler Lockett (WR), Freddie Swain (WR), Gerald Everett (TE), Duane Brown (T), Brandon Shell (T), Ethan Pocic (C), Damien Lewis (G), Gabe Jackson (G)
Defense: Tre Brown (CB), DJ Reed (CB), Jamal Adams (S), Quandre Diggs (S), LJ Collier (DE), Benson Mayowa (DE), Poona Ford (DT), Al Woods (DT), Jordyn Brooks (LB), Bobby Wagner (LB), Darrell Taylor (LB)
Special Teams: Jason Myers (K), Michael Dickson (P)
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady sits on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Lon Horwedel) (AP Photo/Lon Horwedel)
2020 record: 11-5
2020 finish: 2nd NFC South
Head coach: Bruce Arians
Offense: Tom Brady (QB), Leonard Fournette (RB), Mike Evans (WR), Chris Godwin (WR), Antonio Brown (WR), Rob Gronkowski (TE), Donovan Smith (T), Tristan Wirfs (T), Ryan Jensen (C), Ali Marpet (G), Alex Cappa (G)
Defense: Carlton Davis (CB), Sean Bunting-Murphy (CB), Antoine Winfield Jr (S), Jordan Whitehead (S), William Gholston (DE), Ndamukong Suh (DT), Vita Vea (DT), Devin White (LB), Lavonte David (LB), Shaq Barrett (LB)
Special Teams: Ryan Succop (K), Bradley Pinion (P)
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Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry runs a drill during NFL football training camp Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) ((AP Photo/Mark Humphrey))
2020 record: 11-5
2020 finish: 1st AFC South
Head coach: Mike Vrabel
Offense: Ryan Tannehill (QB), Derrick Henry (RB), Julio Jones (WR), AJ Brown (WR), Josh Reynolds (WR), Geoff Swaim (TE), Taylor Lewan (T), Ty Sambrailo (T), Aaron Brewer (C), Dillon Radunz (G), Rodger Saffold III (G)
Defense: Janoris Jenkins (CB), Kristian Fulton (CB), Kevin Byard (S), Amani Hooker (S), Denico Autry (DE), Teair Tart (DT), Jeffrey Simmons (DT), Bud Dupree (LB), Jayon Brown (LB), Rashaan Evans (LB), Harold Landry (LB)
Special Teams: Sam Ficken (K), Brett Kern (P)
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Washington Football Team
Washington Football Team quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) during pregame warmups prior to the start of the first half go a preseason NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
2020 record: 7-9
2020 finish: 1st NFC East
Head coach: Ron Rivera
Offense: Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB), Antonio Gibson (RB), Terry McLaurin (WR), Adam Humphries (WR), Curtis Samuel (WR), Logan Thomas (TE), Charles Leno Jr (T), Samuel Cosmi (T), Chase Roullier (C), Wes Schweitzer (G), Brandon Scherff (G)
Defense: William Jackson III (CB), Kendall Fuller (CB), Landon Collins (S), Kamren Curl (S), Chase Young (DE), Montez Sweat (DE), Da’Ron Payne (DT), Jonathan Allen (DT), Cole Holcomb (LB), Jamin Davis (LB), Jon Bostic (LB)
Special Teams: Dustin Hopkins (K), Tress Way (P)