The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a force right now, and they’re not even at full strength.
They’re tied for the best record in the NFL, thanks to winning some games they seemed unlikely to win.
With that in mind, Eric Edholm of NFL.com moved them from No. 4 all the way to No. 1 in his latest power rankings.
“Every single Sunday, Baker Mayfield seems to make one hellacious play with his legs, completely flummoxing the defense and invariably inspiring his teammates. Sunday’s offering was a ridiculous scramble to move the chains on third-and-14. Two snaps later, he delivered a bomb to rookie WR Tez Johnson, who made a fingertip grab for one of the most aesthetically pleasing touchdowns of the season. The WR ranks remain painfully thin, but with Mayfield under center, the Buccaneers always have a chance. Tampa Bay faces a tough road game this coming Monday night in Detroit, but the Bucs have shown they’ll go into any lion’s den and compete,” Edholm wrote.
Notably, this might be the first time since Tom Brady retired that the Buccaneers have been at the top of anybody’s power rankings.
Then again, it’s more than deserving.
Mayfield is the current favorite to win NFL MVP this season.
Not only has the well-traveled quarterback posted some of the best numbers and plays of his career, but he’s managed to do so without his best weapons.
Mayfield has three game-winning drives in Tampa Bay’s five wins.
He’s managed to succeed despite running back Bucky Irving and wide receivers Chris Godwin Jr. and Mike Evans being sidelined with injuries.
Mayfield did it again in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers after star rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka left the game with a hamstring injury.
On top of that, the Buccaneers have a physical and hard-hitting defense that’s not going to shy away from any challenge.
This is the best they’ve looked since their Super Bowl days.
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