The 1 Move These NFL Teams Need to Make to Become 2021 Contenders

The Arizona Cardinals are a great example, going from a 5-10-1 season in 2019 to a potential playoff spot after trading for All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.One move won't turn a struggling team into a Super Bowl contender overnight, but the right move could change a franchise's fortunes in 2021.Let's take a look at these teams and the moves they could make.Defensively, the Atlanta Falcons will look different in 2021 after the firing of head coach Dan Quinn in October. With a defensive-minded head coach in Vic Fangio, a healthy Miller and a loaded secondary, the Broncos could have a strong enough defense in 2021 to make a playoff push.The Detroit Lions have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, but if they want to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, they're going to need to find the right fit at head coach.The Lions fired Matt Patricia in his third season, and he went just 13-29-1. Detroit has talented playmakers around veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, including rookie running back D'Andre Swift, tight end T.J. Hockenson and potentially wide receiver Kenny Golladay if they're able to re-sign him.An offensive-minded coach could improve the offense and elevate Stafford's game, much like Matt LaFleur has done with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.A new GM will need to fill out a defense that has some solid pieces like Jeff Okudah and Jamie Collins Sr., but the biggest thing the Lions need is a head coach who can inspire them to compete in the NFC North next year.Although they're technically still in the hunt for the NFC East title, the Philadelphia Eagles will need a much better performance in 2021 if they want to be considered serious playoff contenders.Injuries on the offensive line and at wide receiver have hurt the Eagles, but so has the quarterback play.