NFL 2021: AFC clearly the deeper, more powerful conference

By BARRY WILNER
AP Pro Football Writer

It’s almost as if the NFL is emulating college football heading into the 2021 season. Yes, the Buccaneers are the defending champions and the Packers deservedly have title aspirations. The rest of the NFC, well, it looks more like Conference USA in comparison to the AFC, the professional version of the SEC. It is that lopsided. Consider the likes of the Chiefs, Bills, Ravens, Browns, Steelers, Titans, Colts, Dolphins, Patriots and Chargers. All have their supporters as Super Bowl contenders, with Kansas City, Buffalo, Baltimore and Cleveland ahead of a packed field. On the other side, it’s difficult to take anyone seriously in the NFC East or North aside from Green Bay.