Friday, October 13, 2023

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 6 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 6 roundup for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 9

Fantasy surprise: Defense/Special teams

The Buccaneers' 10.5 defensive fantasy points per game mark is fourth best in the league. Last season, they averaged 5.76 defensive fantasy points per game (17th). They've been a stingy defense under Todd Bowles, but the takeaways have eluded them until now. They're averaging 3.0 sacks a game (eighth). They're also only giving up 17 points per game, a credit to their work in the red zone as opposing teams have just a 27.3% red zone efficiency against them -- second best in the league. -- Jenna Laine

NFL.com -- Rank: 11

Although the Week 3 loss to the Eagles is a stark reminder of what the Bucs looked like against the one true contender they've faced to this point, it's hard not to take a step back and like most of what we've seen from this team. Todd Bowles has quietly done an excellent job on the whole, reshaping a strong, hard-nosed defense and entrusting the offense to QB Baker Mayfield and offensive coordinator Dave Canales. The run game might be pretty dormant, but the defense has kept scores down enough with incredible red-zone work to give Tampa Bay chances to win most games. Can this formula continue? We'll likely find out during this fatter part of the schedule, with the next three opponents (vs. Lions, vs. Falcons, at Bills) upping the stakes.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 6

At 3-1, they are one of the surprise teams so far. Now, coming off their bye, they can prove they are truly a contender by beating the Lions.

USA Today -- Rank: 14

This marks three times in four years that QB Baker Mayfield has won three of his first four starts. His only 4-1 beginning led to a deep playoff run in Cleveland.

The Athletic -- Rank: 9

The 2023 draft class has been fine, and second-round offensive tackle Cody Mauch is starting, but the best addition by far has been quarterback Baker Mayfield. The former No. 1 pick looked destined to end his career as a backup. Now he's top 10 in the league in passer rating (101.9) with seven touchdowns versus two interceptions, and the Bucs are infatuated. Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht called him "a dude" on Peter Schrager's podcast last week. Crushes on Mayfield have flamed out fast in the past, but the Buccaneers lead the division at the moment.

FOX -- Rank: 11

The first of three bye-week teams I'm leaving in the same place. The Bucs might be the most complete team in a weak division. Big chance to make a statement with the red-hot Lions coming to town this weekend.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 12

The Buccaneers host the Lions this weekend, then face a Falcons team that will be in the NFC South mix all season, and in Week 8 play at Buffalo. If you're wondering if the Buccaneers are legit, you should have an answer in three weeks.

PFT -- Rank: 10

Beat the Lions, and the Bucs will be taken very seriously.

Previous updates:

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers pages:

Check out more of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Posted by at
Labels: ,