The Buccaneers' season-opening loss inspired even less confidence among the league's 'experts' in what Tampa Bay would be able to accomplish. However, with the realization that the San Francisco 49ers may be better than expected (they handedly took down the Bengals 41-17 last week) coupled with the Bucs' primetime win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers on Thursday night, Tampa Bay is starting to climb the rankings. Ever so slowly.
See below for the full list of NFL Power Rankings:
NFL.com, Dan Hanzus
Rank: 22
Last Week: 31
NFL Top 5: Patriots, Chiefs, Rams, Cowboys, Ravens
NFC South: Saints (4), Falcons (21), Panthers (23)
Week 3 Opponent Ranking: Giants (31)
Rank: 22
Last Week: 29
NFL Top 5: Patriots, Packers, Chiefs, Rams, Cowboys
NFC South: Saints (9), Falcons (13), Panthers (23)
Week 3 Opponent Ranking: Giants (31)
Rank: 24
Last Week: 30
NFL Top 5: Patriots, Chiefs, Ravens, Cowboys, Rams
NFC South: Saints (9), Falcons (17), Panthers (25)
Week 3 Opponent Ranking: Giants (30)
Rank: 24
Last Week: 30
NFL Top 5: Patriots, Rams, Chiefs, Cowboys, Packers
NFC South: Saints (13), Falcons (19), Panthers (21)
Week 3 Opponent Ranking: Giants (30)
Rank: 23
Last Week: 30
NFL Top 5: Patriots, Rams, Chiefs, Cowboys, Ravens
NFC South: Falcons (8), Saints (9), Panthers (14)
Week3 Opponent Ranking: Giants (31)