Should The Bucs Really Be The Favorites Again In The NFC?

For the second year in a row, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are considered a favorite in the NFC.

While some fans argue they shouldn’t, Bucs fans will clearly disagree with that argument.

However, examining the roster and team schedule will give NFL fans a clear picture of why they are favorites.

So with the lovers of other NFC teams calling for their teams to be the favorite, there are many reasons the Bucs are favorites again.

But let’s start with the first one that would make any team an instant Super Bowl favorite.

Tom Brady Is Back And Has Unfinished Business In The NFL

The talks of Tom Brady making a return to Tampa is a double-edge sword.

Fans who feel he’s too old will use his age to say the Bucs shouldn’t be a NFC favorite this season.

However, his age has never stopped him from being a winning quarterback.

When people point to his age, he isn’t afraid to make a joke about it while going to a Super Bowl.

I'm too old.
You're too slow.
We've got no skill players.
We've got no defense.
We've got nothing.

Tom Brady bringing the 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/kNvKqY3bdb

— Pats Pulpit (@patspulpit) January 21, 2019

Even in his 40s, he’s won two Super Bowls.

That’s why he gives the Bucs instant favorite status, despite his age.

However, there’s more to the Bucs than just Brady.

Bucs Offense Has Some Of The Best Running Backs And Receivers Around

While they already have the elite quarterback that makes them favorites, they also have the right players around that QB on offense.

Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Leonard Fournette, and Russell Gage all lead the core of the Bucs offense.

These young and elite players have shown during their time in Tampa that they give the Bucs a great change of winning games.

They also make up some of the elite receivers who were game changers in previous Super Bowls.

Elite WR’s are bigger game changers, with rare exceptions (pats gronk, for example). They have a greater effect on the defense.

Kupp. Mike Evans/Godwin/Ab. Tyreek hill. Last 3 super bowl winners had top tier receivers.

— ♨️ (@_Yeef) March 18, 2022

Because of these players being here, Tampa Bay is the favorite yet again in the NFC.

It’s hard to shut down all of those offensive weapons each game.

However, health issues with Godwin and Evans might hamper their 2022 season.

But that still doesn’t take away the fact they are some of the best players in the NFL.

Bucs Defense, When Healthy, Is Another Reason They Are Favorites To Win The NFC

Tampa Bay might not have mega defensive stars on their team like the Los Angeles Rams, but their defense gets the job done.

However, it is only when they are fully healthy that they are the most dangerous.

Fans saw how the Tampa defense would struggle in games without the best stars on the field last season.

While the roster on defense makes them favorites, it’s the health of those players who will determine if they stay as favorites.

Jordan Whitehead remaining healthy will be key this season for the Bucs defense.

He’s the guy in the secondary that gives the Bucs an edge against teams every game.

So with everything the Bucs have, both on offense and defense, they show why they are favorites.

Until they lose all their star power, they will continue to be favorites in the NFC.