As a fun little exercise, instead of taking the preseason rankings each major media outlet had for the Buccaneers, I looked at Week 17 of last year. The Bucs didn't crack the top five.
But to quote the infamous Michael Scott, "Well, well, well, how the turntables."
Coming off a Super Bowl LV win, the Bucs kept all 22 of their championship starters intact and then some – subsequently giving those folks on 'Hoarders' a run for their money. With a full offseason and preseason under their belt this time, the team looks poised for success yet again.
It seems pundits across the league agree. In a stark contrast to last season, the Bucs now start the season ranked no lower than two.
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See the full list of NFL power rankings below.
- Rank: 1
- Last Season: Bucs, Chiefs, Bills, Packers, Ravens
- NFC South: Saints (15), Falcons (26), Panthers (27)
- Week 1 Opponent Ranking: Cowboys (19)
- Rank: 1
- Last Season: 7
- NFL Top 5: Bucs, Bills, Chiefs, Packers, Browns
- NFC South: Saints (19), Falcons (22), Panthers (28)
- Week 1 Opponent Ranking: Cowboys (14)
- Rank: 1
- Last Season: 6
- NFL Top 5: Bucs, Chiefs, Browns, Packers, Bills
- NFC South: Saints (16), Panthers (23), Falcons (26)
- Week 1 Opponent Ranking: Cowboys (14)
- Rank: 2
- Last Season: 9
- NFL Top 5: Chiefs, Bucs, Bills, Packers, 49ers
- NFC South: Saints (20), Panthers (25), Falcons (26
- Week 1 Opponent Ranking: Cowboys (18)
- Rank: 2
- Last Season: 8
- NFL Top 5: Chiefs, Bucs, Bills, Packers, Rams
- NFC South: Saints (19), Falcons (23), Panthers (25)
- Week 1 Opponent Ranking: Cowboys (12)
