2021 NFL Power Rankings: Atlanta Falcons

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Atlanta Falcons rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 28.8 (29th)
Best ranking: 27th (ESPN)
Worst ranking: 31st (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 2 roundup for the Falcons in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 27

Top rookie: TE Kyle Pitts

Let's be clear, this selection is by default. Multiple Day 3 picks were inactive in Sunday's loss to the Eagles. Other picks -- Richie Grant and Avery Williams -- largely played on special teams. Offensive linemen Drew Dalman and Jalen Mayfield did not have good days -- three false starts between them at left guard. So that leaves Pitts, the No. 4 overall pick, who had four catches for 31 yards on eight targets. It goes to him, but not because of a standout performance. More because he had any performance at all. -- Michael Rothstein

NFL.com -- Rank: 28

The Falcons entered Week 1 with sky-high expectations for their offense. Julio Jones was gone, sure, but the arrival of No. 4 overall pick Kyle Pitts and a gifted play-caller in new head coach Arthur Smith seemed to be a recipe for fireworks. On Sunday, Atlanta fired off a bunch of duds. The Falcons managed just two field goals and didn't have a play from scrimmage that went beyond 18 yards in a 32-6 loss to the Eagles. Struggles on defense are expected in Atlanta this season, but Sunday's putrid performance by the offense needs to be an aberration ... or else. "I feel awful for our fans and everybody who showed up today," Smith said. "We'll do a better job. That game is not going to define us."

CBS Sports -- Rank: 29

The defense had issues against the Eagles, which we expected. But the offense needs to get it cranked up as well. This could be a long season for first-year coach Arthur Smith.

USA Today -- Rank: 31

They looked like a team that should have drafted Fields fourth overall and started completely over, no?

The Athletic -- Rank: 29

Overreaction: Ouch. People thought Philadelphia was a bottom-five team, and it dominated Atlanta. The Falcons totaled 77 net yards on their final nine drives after peaking with two field goals to open the game. Can they miss Julio Jones that much? Can Mike Davis be a starting-caliber running back? Are they going to be picking in the top five again next spring? At least Kyle Pitts had four catches for 31 yards. Sigh. -- Auman

Reality check: Somehow, the Falcons' offense was even worse on a second viewing than it was live. Just really rough all around. Sorry, Atlanta. -- Jones

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