Power Rankings Consensus Puts Bucs As Clear Division Leader
March 20th, 2026
So the folks who run the Packers news/analysis page for Sports Illustrated studied seven NFL power rankings published after the first wave of free agency, including from the smart guys at Sharp Football Analysis.
And whaddya know, the Bucs were the clear leaders in the dreadful NFC South.
The power rankings came from the PFF Tribe, NFL.com, CBS, The Score, FOX Sports, FanDuel and Sharp Football. The Packers’ blog compilation put the Bucs at a consensus ranking of 19th in the NFL between the Bengals at No. 18 and the Colts at No. 20.
Yes, that’s a very sad ranking for the Bucs. But their division rival Panthers, Saints and Falcons didn’t make the top-20 cut. And it really wasn’t close.
For example, the Bucs had a No. 17 ranking from Sharp Football while the Panthers, Falcons and Saints ranked Nos. 24, 25 and 26, respectively. The PFF Tribe had similiar opinions. FOX Sports was the only outlet very down on Tampa Bay.
There is a divide on the current state of the Bucs at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters. One Joe definitely agrees with the consensus numbers above while the other Joe is very down on the Bucs. Joe’s team of interns are conflicted, as well.
Regardless, national expectations will be on Tampa Bay to win the NFC South. And that’s a great thing. The Bucs have too much talent to have low expectations. The pressure should be on.
Thoughts on the Bucs could shift after the draft, but that’s unlikely. The Falcons have no first-round pick, and legal issues and quarterback questions. The Panthers pick after Tampa Bay and will be bank on rookies to improve their 27th-ranked offense that lost its top running back and center. The Slimy Saints are rebuilding.
March 20th, 2026 at 9:13 pm
#6, will find a way to screw this prediction up…..
March 20th, 2026 at 9:16 pm
It could be a challenge for Bowles. Didn’t we hear all this last year?
March 20th, 2026 at 9:16 pm
This is one the most talented draft I’ve ever seen
I’m sure Licht will get at least 4-5 immediate impact players
There’s no team in the NFC South can compete with a healthy Bucs team
I’m looking at a playoff run this season
I’m looking for Baker, Bucky, Zyon, to have bounce back season
March 20th, 2026 at 9:18 pm
I believe! (At least I’m telling myself that.) Bakers our guy. Get on the ship, Boys!
March 20th, 2026 at 9:19 pm
Hey Joe, any news on JJ Roberts recovery???
March 20th, 2026 at 9:20 pm
HeavyE: Know you don’t like Baker, but the irony is that he’s the way there. I know you’ll be tuning in to see the excitement!
March 20th, 2026 at 9:25 pm
Hope we feel much better after the draft adding beef to the defense front 7. With a stout D line, we could be ok. There’s that word “hope” again. If the choice is between a corner or DT/DE, pass on the corner.
March 20th, 2026 at 9:27 pm
LichtBowlesSecondary Says:
March 20th, 2026 at 9:18 pm
I believe! (At least I’m telling myself that.) Bakers our guy. Get on the ship, Boys!
______________________
You don’t have to run on fumes Brother. Baker’s got one more shot at the big nut. Rod Munch is going to predict he wiffs, but I’m thinking that Zac Robinson (also going for the big nut) is going to do everything he can to prevent that from happening.
March 20th, 2026 at 9:28 pm
Let’s get through the draft, last wave of FAs and into training camp with a healthy team, then let someone do their silly power rankings.
Baker is the biggest wildcard. Can he become more consistent? Stop playing poorly and getting over hyped in big games? Stop the silly turnovers? If so, then I think the Bucs have a real chance to compete to win the division. But, if Baker plays inconsistent football and turns the ball over, this team could be picking in the top 5 next year.
Secondly, can the health Gods finally be on the Buvs side. Will the oline, WRs, Kancey..stay healthy? That’s always a big deal in the NFL and the Bucs just seem snake bit with injuries every year.
Lastly, will Bowles stop being so stubborn and delusional and try to adjust his scheme to his players? Will he run tougher practices to get the team better prepared on game days?
March 20th, 2026 at 9:31 pm
First time I’ve commented on this. I hope it’s been said. I love Mike Evans and I thank Dean for trying. But I’m not upset about losing them. 12 games missed for evans and 8 games for dean over past two years. Heck Dean has never played more than 15 games his whole career. I don’t think we can count on either of them from here on out so it’s time to move on. I’m glad Evens made the call to leave so Jason light didn’t feel loyal to him beyond his prime which was 2 years ago.
March 20th, 2026 at 9:31 pm
@exBrown02, honestly, I’m more concerned about Todd Bowles screwing us on defense than Baker and Robinson. I’m even less concerned about Munch telling me Baker “single-handedly” cause the war in Iran.
March 20th, 2026 at 9:32 pm
I have absolutely no idea what to expect. I could see 10 wins at most. I think the defense gets better but im worried about red zone offense without Evans
March 20th, 2026 at 9:35 pm
Did they overlook the fact that Todd Bowles is still coach?
March 20th, 2026 at 9:39 pm
‘Power Rankings Consensus Puts Bucs As Clear Division Leader’
Wow… color me excited. Once again, another year of being ‘The tallest midget’ of our division.
Bowles will once again do us dirty! Sorry for the pessimism.
March 20th, 2026 at 9:40 pm
LichtBowlesSecondary Says:
March 20th, 2026 at 9:31 pm
@exBrown02, honestly, I’m even less concerned about Munch telling me Baker “single-handedly” cause the war in Iran.
——————-
lol!
March 20th, 2026 at 9:41 pm
None of these people know what’s going to happen.
How many picked Seattle as SB winners ?
How many thought KC was going to stink ?
How many thought NE would be any good @ all ?
I could go on but you get the point.
March 20th, 2026 at 9:42 pm
This is the most important season of Baker NFL career
He can position himself for a $150 million contract
Or he can be like James, playing for backup pay
It’s up to him, not his coach, not his teammates
I think Baker bounce back big time, and get a bag
March 20th, 2026 at 9:44 pm
I’m excited about A’Shawn Robinson and will get more pumped if we add more size and anger to our DLine.
Back in the Sapp days, teams hated coming down here and dealing with that, and we all knew it. I want a DLine that provides a little bit of that.
March 20th, 2026 at 9:44 pm
I meant Jameis not James****
March 20th, 2026 at 9:51 pm
LichtBowlesSecondary Says:
March 20th, 2026 at 9:31 pm
@exBrown02, honestly, I’m more concerned about Todd Bowles screwing us on defense than Baker and Robinson. I’m even less concerned about Munch telling me Baker “single-handedly” cause the war in Iran.
_____________________
Yeah. Defense is the greatest challenge and the biggest question mark headed into the season. There’s a lot left to come with more trading potential and the draft. And then there’s coach Bowles. We have to assume that Todd has gotten the bulk of the message during this post-season. Bowles, despite his stubbornness, is seasoned with a lot of experience and knowledge. Again — the glass is half-full. Many voices are talking us into the sewer. I’m seeing it more-so like the planets re-aligning (in a more mundane respect). Everyone has their marching orders in this billion-dollar business!
March 20th, 2026 at 9:53 pm
A’Shawn, Muhammad, Anzalone are huge additions to our front 7
March 20th, 2026 at 9:56 pm
I think A’Shawn Robinson is our best addition in free agency
He can play DE, and when Vita take a breather, he can slide to DT
March 20th, 2026 at 10:03 pm
We’re no where close to throwing the towel in.
Let’s go Jason. Show us your stuff big cheese!
March 20th, 2026 at 10:05 pm
Expectations ???? 8-9 , 9-8 , 10-7 , 8-9
Expectations were through the roof last year. Some were thinking 11 or 12 wins and possibly a SB. I think having no expectations is a better approach to take.
March 20th, 2026 at 10:09 pm
Hmm. Somewhere between 18th and 20th best in the league? We beat the Super Bowl champions each of the last two years. Mayfield is so polarizing, even among the media, that is the only way that makes sense. Injuries killed our offense last season. Baker threw more TD passes than Darnold or Josh Allen last year. He was one of 8 QBs with over 3600 yards and over 25 touchdown passes. Top 3 receivers out most of the year. Lucky to have 2 Oline starters. Number one running back having a mental health crisis. And a very shaky offensive coordinator. We didn’t deserve to win those late games whether Baker would have won them late or not. Because despite our offensive shortcomings, the defense and special teams sucked, too. But never fear. As long as Mayfield is the QB in Tampa we will be in contention.
March 20th, 2026 at 10:10 pm
Hooray. Tallest midget. What a joke.
We need a lot and alot ain’t coming unless we draft it.
Bowles ain’t a draw. He is a drain.
March 20th, 2026 at 10:16 pm
We were favored last year and one could argue we are worse this year.
-David
March 20th, 2026 at 10:17 pm
Saints are coming. Panthers are legit if their QB can be consistently average (+)
March 20th, 2026 at 10:19 pm
I feel better about this season than l did last season
I can’t wait for the draft to get here
March 20th, 2026 at 10:22 pm
Saints are going to be tough.
March 20th, 2026 at 10:32 pm
Didn’t we do this last year, and the year before that?
If Baker … if Baker … if Baker …
Unless you’re a fan of T.S. Eliot, Spring launches new life and hope. Lotta unknowing Eliot fans around here. Our loyalty’s are being tested by the Glazier affinity for Bowles.
Entering his fourth decade, Baker’s if’s are running out. “Hurry up please it’s time” should be Baker’s mantra this season.
Let us keep this November and December from being our “cruelest months.”
March 20th, 2026 at 10:35 pm
Yes. Baker’s “ifs” are running out. Who’s fault is that?
March 20th, 2026 at 10:38 pm
Sorry, todd is still leading, so stop with the fn jokes please
March 20th, 2026 at 10:38 pm
5-12.
March 20th, 2026 at 10:41 pm
It’s Do or Die for Todd and Baker
I was all for bringing them back, because we’re all entitled to a down year
But I’m not, and I’m sure the Glazers are not for a repeat year
March 20th, 2026 at 10:41 pm
Need a reliable swing O lineman who can play anywhere on the line. Was hopeful they could pick up a guy in free agency. Maybe a trade for an experienced guy with size and speed. Can’t go through another season with the injured mess of a line in 2025. Have watched a lot of tape on Chukuwa. Not sold on this guy at all. Will see what he looks like in preseason. Needs to really get stronger in upper body and develop a good punch. He looked really overwhelmed in the Dolphins game filling in for Wirfs. That was the game where 60% of the 1st string O line didn’t play.
March 20th, 2026 at 10:43 pm
If Zach Robinson come in and impress the Glazers
He could be our next Head Coach.
The Glazers like hiring young Head Coaches
March 20th, 2026 at 10:50 pm
Gipper,
I totally agree with you
I said it last year when Licht let Liam Coen steal Robert Hainsey
Hainsey was our backup guard and center
But l still believe he’s a better center than Barton
We really missed Hainsey and Smile
They were our swing linemen
March 20th, 2026 at 10:55 pm
***I meant Hainsey and Skule
March 20th, 2026 at 11:03 pm
We have our bu swing o lineman in Bredeson, as long as his injury is healed and he’s good to go. Thats why we need to draft that beast Ioane for LG. Im sure he can work at RG too.