Ranking The Ten Best Teams In The NFL Right Now

As we arrive at the halfway point of the 2021 NFL regular season, there is a lot to unpack. We've witnessed significant injuries that were brutal to watch. The pairing of some new faces in new places has worked out, and for others? Not so much. The Super Bowl curse is once again working its magic while last year's ultimate victor looks in good enough shape to repeat.

But regardless of such truth, we are beginning to witness the 'cream of the crop' rise in the NFL and position themselves for that huge second-half run that leads one team to championship glory. Down below is a ranking of the top ten best teams across the league right now!

1. Green Bay Packers (7-1) - Ever since a stunningly bad 38-3 season-opening loss against the New Orleans Saints, the Packers have been the NFL’s best team. Having reeled off seven consecutive victories, Aaron Rodgers and Co. are becoming the league's version of "Mr. Reliable," and that's not a bad thing to be halfway through the season.
2. Arizona Cardinals (7-1) - There's very little doubt about the Cardinals, and rightfully so, but concerns are starting to emerge about their run defense. Can they compete for a championship if they're allowing 120 rushing yards per game and the league's second-highest yards per carry average to running backs? Even so, the duo of Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins makes Arizona’s offense so special that it’s unwise to doubt this team.
3. Los Angeles Rams (7-1) - Regardless of where they finished after the regular season, either as NFC West champion or a wild-card participant, the Rams have all the tools necessary to make a championship run. And now that they traded for Pro Bowl pass rusher Von Miller too? Sheesh!
4. Dallas Cowboys (6-1) - While struggles in their secondary could negatively impact their season (They've allowed 31 plays of at least 20 yards downfield), all is well in Dallas. Offensively, the Cowboys are clicking at a high level and have demonstrated that they’re capable of winning tight games, as evidenced by nailbiters against New England and Carolina. 
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) - The defending Super Bowl champion could certainly use improvements all across the board and better health, but that hasn't completely stopped them from looking dominant at times. Quarterback Tom Brady leads the NFL in passing yards (2,650) and touchdowns (25); maybe he actually can play until he’s 50-years-old.

6. Buffalo Bills (5-2) - Does anyone know what to expect from the Bills? Sure, they produced a pair of dominant wins with a combined score of 75-0, but losses to the Titans and Steelers could portend playoff disappointment.  

7. New Orleans Saints (5-2) - Although quarterback Jameis Winston's season-ending knee injury couldn't arrive at a worse time, the Saints should survive, thanks to the top-notch coaching of Sean Payton and his staff. The confidence of the Saints' defense is growing every week as they rank ninth in takeaways (13). Offensively, the reunited running-back duo of Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram will be prepared to carry the load.

And lastly, the potential return of superstar receiver Michael Thomas from an ankle injury could add a new dynamic to the Saints’ attack.

8. Baltimore Ravens (5-2) - Even with quarterback Lamar Jackson playing the best football of his career and being Superman and saving the day nearly every week, the Ravens haven't consistently played like a 5-2 team. Three of their wins came at the hands of late-game collapses by Indianapolis, Kansas City, and the win-less Detroit Lions, and every week it's a question of which Ravens will step up to help their former league MVP.

9. Tennessee Titans (6-2) - It's easy to look at the Titans and say they're in massive trouble with star RB Derrick Henry being out for six-ten weeks, but if they have a saving grace, it's their remaining schedule. Minus their upcoming Sunday night matchup against the LA Rams, the Titans have the third-easiest schedule remaining across the NFL. And when considering the current state of the AFC South, the Titans may only need four or five more wins to repeat as divisional champions.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (5-3) - If you're this AFC North upstart, you hope last Sunday's loss to the NY Jets was only a bump in the road. Many great things are happening with this team, especially with QB Joe Burrow and WR Jamarr Chase arguably the league's hottest duo, but a greater level of consistency and finishing games will determine their postseason fate as the regular season rolls on.