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 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.
March 20th, 2026 at 11:07 pm
The Robinson-Mayfield teaming will determine the short/mid fate of the Buccaneer’s competitive viability. Todd Bowles will determine his own fate. The vast majority of the posters clamoring for a “rebuild” with the drafting of a “franchise” quarterback are spoiled children of the short-lived Brady era that have no idea what they are wishing for. Trust me in telling you that has a long-term Browns fan.
The 2026 NFL season looks good for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The tough get going while the weak bath in their tears.
Go Baker! Go Bucs!
March 20th, 2026 at 11:11 pm
Hilarious. Baker will press because he knows his coach can’t put a defense on the field that can hold any lead. Feel sorry for Baker, but he’s also just not good enough to overcome the atrocities of his organization.
March 20th, 2026 at 11:35 pm
I’m reading about Jacob Rodriguez and his draft projections. The only chance we’re gonna get is if we take him first. He’s moving up so fast that his projection is 80% top 50 and now pushing 50% in the first round. By the draft I think he’s first 20. Man, it would be so hard to pass on him. Please hear me Jason Licht. Don’t listen to anyone else. No scouts or coaches or anyone else. Make that decision and it will be as good of or better choice than going after Baker. Changes the Buccaneers fortunes for the next decade. We need him. Please.
March 21st, 2026 at 12:34 am
The delusion is real. NFC South champions means zilch.
Just the first loser.
If you are fired up about that then we are not from the same planet.
March 21st, 2026 at 12:49 am
Kenton,
Totally get it on Rodriguez. His tape is very impressive. Was worried about his speed but he ran a good combine time. He looks like a good plug and play choice. Natural defensive QB which is where he played until converting to defense. My guess is he will be this year’s Carson Schwesinger.
March 21st, 2026 at 2:08 am
Yeah Jrod is going high 2nd…im drawing down to trading a few spots back, get Ioane, then get Jrod. He def has forcing fumbles down…great tackler too. Might need to trade up a little for him.
March 21st, 2026 at 2:28 am
I’m not going to make any win total predictions atm, but I’m not down on this team at all. Last year was a fluke…every team goes through a really bad year from time to time, even the greatest teams. But…here are the things I’ve been thinking about this year:
🏈 It’s unlikely the team will be as injury riddled again for a long while. They are getting younger now, and that *usually* means healthier.
🏈 Bowles messed up last year when he threw the players under the bus. Outside of that, he’s actually a decent Head Coach. I know, few fans will agree, and frankly I would have been okay with firing him last year, but it didn’t happen so I’m okay with it now (at first I wasnt).
🏈 Since the Superbowl team, Bowles hasn’t really had good talent on defense, so it’s kind of hard for me to claim he is a bad DC. Even last year, when the focus turned more to defense in the draft, the first (and best) pick went to offense. I’m of the firm belief that if you want to improve the defense, you have to make it a priority in the draft. They haven’t, so the defense has not been good. If we want Bowles defense to be great, it has to get the talent.
🏈 Not this year, and probably mnot next year, but Jason Licht needs to start considering a Defensive Tackle replacement for Vita Vea. He’s 31 right now, and he’s got a few years left, but finding a good replacement could take years.
🏈 Benjamin Morrison had a really bad rookie year, but I’m not ready to call him a bust. He had surgery last year, and he was great before the surgery. I think the surgery set him back mentally and physically. Hopefully he will be improved this year.
🏈 Bottom line: it starts up front. Our first pick **must** be and edge rusher. The free agent we signed is average. Really, we need two edge rushers, but one can be taken on day 3.
🏈 I disagree that Tight End should even be addressed in the draft. Just sign an average TE who can block. Cade Otton has it in him to be an excellent pass catcher, and he’s an endzone producer too.
🏈 I think the RB we signed has removed RB as a need.
🏈 Depth on WR is good.
🏈 We’re good on OTs.
🏈 We need good depth at OG…maybe even an upgrade. Did I read somewhere that Alex Cappa is out there? If so bring him back as depth. We could do worse. But personally, I think we need to draft an OG. Really, outside of a QB, its the only offensive position I think we need to draft this year.
🏈 I would only draft a QB in round 5, 6, or 7. For depth. If we can’t find a suitable veteran. We just need a guy who can win a few games in a pinch. I suggest Kyler Murray as the backup.
🏈 I have a good feeling about Robbinson.
March 21st, 2026 at 4:29 am
Buccaneer Bonzai. Murray is gonna be starting for the Vikings this year. We need one more QB to make things interesting and believe it or not, WBL has been all over a guy that may be available late rounds who may just be the steal of the draft. Jack Strand. We’ve got to have a Middle linebacker and a beast, like McDonald at DT, but I am all in on this Strand. I believe he’d beat out Browning for our backup, and I ain’t whistling Dixie. He’s got “it”. In spades.
March 21st, 2026 at 5:49 am
LOL. I love the bucs and have been a die hard fan for over forty years. Not sure what PFF is seeing except being in the weakest division by far in Football. The Bucs have glaring and obvious weaknesses on defense, play calling on offense and the coaching staff is less than. I hope that everyone turns it around in 2026, but my eyes are telling me that the Saints, Falcons and Panthers are ascending while the Bucs are stagnating. I think the Falcons made a very good hire at HC. This could be a year where the Bucs the third best record in their division. I hope that I am wrong and PFF is correct.
March 21st, 2026 at 7:05 am
Rankings don’t matter, records matter. The Bucs lost the division with an 8-9 record.
March 21st, 2026 at 7:14 am
NFC South was superior to both the NFC East AND AFC North…
March 21st, 2026 at 7:56 am
Bonzai … Love the analysis, and we agree on most of those issues to be sure. Totally in agreement BTW that ‘If we want Bowles defense to be great, it has to get the talent’. Our remaining 2026 opportunity to do that is almost entirely via the draft (money too limited to buy FAs?). Bucs MUST focus on accomplishing that or this defense won’t perform any better than last year’s defense did.
Todd Bowles is gonna be our HC & DC; I can accept that (not my call). It’s a 1-year gig, possibly more depending on 2026 results. Whether he does good or not depends primarily on 2 things IMO: (1) the TALENT he has to work with; and (2) the health of the team. Came to that conclusion after analyzing the 2023 results versus the 2024 & 2025 results.
Bucs finished 9-8 in 2023 (1st year post-Brady), but it was anything but pretty. LOTS of changes that year, and Bucs were 4-7 until Week 13 trying to get everything to gel. Thankfully we finished strong that year, winning 5 of our last 6 games then beating the Eagles in the post-season before falling 31-23 to the Lions.
Bucs offense was below average in 2023, ranking #20 & only scoring 348 pts (20.5 PPG). But our defense excelled, ranking #7 & allowing only 325 pts (19.1 PPG). They gave up a lot of yardage (5852 yds … ranked #23) but defended the Red Zone extremely well (23 TDs Allowed in 54 Attempts for a 42.6% Red Zone TDs Allowed rate … ranking #3 in the NFL). THAT was critical to our success.
One other thing that was critical is that we had minimal injuries that year; only lost 105 games due to injuries. And oh ya, we still had Devin White as our MLB. There were some ‘issues’ going on there, but I’d contend that his performance on the field was the best in his 5 years as a Buc in terms of his Pass Defense. The ‘guy in the middle’ is a key to Bowles’ defense.
Things went downhill defensively in 2024, but our offense went ballistic under Coen, and ranked #4 scoring 502 pts (29.5 PPG). Again the Bucs did poorly in the first half of the year, but finished very strong (winning 6 of our last 7 games to end up 10-7 before losing 23-20 to the Commanders in the playoffs). Bucs’ defense allowed 385 pts on the season (22.6 PPG) and ranked #16 in the NFL (a significant drop from #7 in 2023). Again we gave up a LOT of yardage (5810) but weren’t nearly as good in the Red Zone (allowed 31 TDs in 57 Attempts for 54.4% Red Zone TD rate).
Injuries rose dramatically in 2024, and we lost 204 games to injuries (mostly to guys on IR). That was almost double the games lost to injuries in 2023. We also lost Carlton Davis & Devin White & replaced the latter with KJ Britt. Defense felt the impact of both losses.
Then as we all saw things really fell apart in 2025. Our offense plummeted to a #18 ranking scoring only 380 pts (22.4 PPG), a 33% drop in pts production. Bucs did great for a change in the first half of the season (6-2), but then blew it after the BYE, going 2-7 to finish 8-9 and missing the playoffs. Bucs’ defense was horrific, allowing 411 pts on the season (24.2 PPG) and ranked #20 in the NFL (a even bigger drop from #7 in 2023). Again we gave up a ton of yardage (5719) and almost totally fell apart in the Red Zone (allowed 30 TDs in 43 Attempts for an astronomical 69.8% Red Zone TD rate). That’s the worst since our 2018 defense gave up 77.6% in the Red Zone.
Injuries actually fell a little in 2025, but we still lost 176 games to injuries. What made that hurt was that a LOT of our injuries were to starters. SirVocea Dennis replaced KJ Britt, but that didn’t solve our MLB problem (it aggrevated it). Our Pass Rush was also just as anemic as it’d been in 2024.
My conclusion was that our defense hasn’t been ‘beefy’ enough nor nasty enough, and it lacks TALENT in several key spots. And just like our offense, our DEPTH on defense is lacking, which kills us when injuries to starters mount (lose Vea early in the season & we would’ve had a Bottom-10 defense). Bucs NEED to draft a beastly DT/NT in Rnd 1 or 2 this year 9to improve our interior DLine & prep for Vea’s moving on), PLUS a starting MLB in Rnd 1 or 2, plus add a quality CB and most likely another quality ILB in Rnds 3 & 4.
And for those committed to bitchin & moanin about Todd Bowles, he’s the same DC who led us to a #7 ranking in 2023. Injuries weren’t a significant factor that year, and he had better talent to work with. I still wish that he was JUST the HC or the DC, but that boat’s sailed. I’m convinced that he can get us where we want to go (a MUCH BETTER DEFENSE for starters) IF we do a better job of stocking the cupboard with TALENT.
March 21st, 2026 at 8:09 am
They must’ve forgotten who the HC/DC is. The guy who has had 2 losing seasons out of 4 for the Bucs, about to be 3 unless the offense is great.
March 21st, 2026 at 8:11 am
Rankings don’t matter. This team will do what it’s always done with Bowles and Baker and thats lose. This team was healthy 2 years ago going into a home playoff game against a rook and Bake threw 41 tds…how’d that turn out? This is a top 10 draft pick team because there is no leadership on offense or defense. Thats why this team has 3+ game losing streaks every season with this HC and QB. Can’t keep the same main personnel and expect different results, if you’re sane that is.
Prepare to be underwhelmed this season. Its time for a change.
March 21st, 2026 at 8:20 am
The sad sack division. Battle of the Bums.
March 21st, 2026 at 9:49 am
I’m feeling better and better bout Tampa. Honestly. Did Mikey leave sting ? Of course. Like hell lol but the defense got better even with Dean leaving. I knowJOE is not happy with the defense but can’t always look down. We got a suh type attitude adjustment and that’s the biggest impact we will see. we got a good ILB need one more and maybe an edge rusher. Licht didn’t break the bank for any of it either. We added another weapon on offense which even with Mikey gone is still the most dangerous in the league. Signed steady Eddie that always shows up and maybe just maybe got a OC that will do its job instead of JOES fall guy. Bucs arrow is pointing up. Just a new OC does that lol
March 21st, 2026 at 10:23 am
Draft more Buckeyes
March 21st, 2026 at 11:08 am
Todd would’ve coached the 1972 Dolphins to a losing record.
March 21st, 2026 at 11:23 am
QB: Altmeyer rd 6. The guy may be a career backup but he plays similar to Baker. Gritty, tough, fights on every down. While his arm is not as good as Baker, I think he may be a better decision maker. Not gonna throw it away in the 4th
March 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Tom Petty
What we do know is the teams you mentioned have legitimate HCs and staffs.
We also know that we do not.
March 21st, 2026 at 8:00 pm
Of course we’re the favorites, we have Week 6 MVP!
March 22nd, 2026 at 9:36 am
Big area for improvement that can lead to division is the horrendous special teams play. Conceding the 35 yard line on every kick off because the coverage is so bad has to stop. Maybe have an occasional special team play turn a game into the Bucs favor.
March 22nd, 2026 at 9:47 am
NFC Championship appearance or regime change. The Glazers need to make that the public understanding – win or goodbye. Simple.