Most analysts have decided to start believing in the birds, with the Philadelphia Eagles commandeering the number one spot on this week's NFL Power Rankings in most cases. To add to this topsy-turvy 2017 season, the Los Angeles Rams have surged into the top five teams. They managed to shut out the Arizona Cardinals in London this past week and have dropped only two games all season.
The Buccaneers have hovered around the same spot from Week 7 to Week 8, after dropping another close game in Buffalo. Good news is that the NFC South is wide open, with both Carolina and Atlanta suffering losses this week. The Saints sit on top of the division at 4-2, but the Bucs could gain some ground as they open division play this week with Carolina at home.
Take a look at where the Bucs stack up:
NFL.com, Elliot Harrison Rank: 27
NFL Top 5: Eagles, Rams, Steelers, Chiefs, Patriots
NFC South: Saints (8), Panthers (16), Atlanta (19)
Week 8 Opponent Ranking: Panthers (16)
**CBSSports.com, Pete Prisco Rank: 26**
NFL Top 5: Eagles, Patriots, Steelers, Chiefs, Rams
NFC South: Saints (7), Falcons (11), Panthers (17)
Week 8 Opponent Ranking: Panthers (17)
**SBNation.com, Rank: 25**
NFL Top 5: Patriots, Eagles, Chiefs, Steelers, Cowboys
NFC South: Falcons (12), Saints (14), Panthers (19)
Week 8 Opponent Ranking: Panthers (19)
**Yahoo! Rank: 27**
NFL Top 5: Eagles, Chiefs, Patriots, Steelers, Seahawks
NFC South: Saints (8), Falcons (9), Panthers (13)
Week 8 Opponent Ranking: Panthers (13)
USA Today Rank: 23
NFL Top 5: Eagles, Steelers, Chiefs, Patriots, Seahawks
NFC South: Saints (9), Falcons (14), Panthers (15)
Week 8 Opponent Ranking: Panthers (15)
**ESPN.com Rank: 23**
NFL Top 5: Patriots, Eagles, Chiefs, Steelers, Cowboys
NFC South: Falcons (12), Saints (14), Panthers (19)
Week 8 Opponent Ranking: Panthers (19)