The first half of Monday night's game had just about everyone around the league believing that FitzMagic had ran out. A fourth quarter comeback that put Fitzpatrick over 400 yards passing for the third consecutive game and a second-half shutout by the defense that pulled the Bucs within three points after being down 30-10 at the half was enough to change that. The Bucs did fall slightly in most polls but USA Today actually had them bumped up a spot and into the league's top five teams.
It probably helps the Bucs' case that they started the season by beating the division-rival New Orleans Saints, who are in or near the top five themselves. Tampa Bay now looks to redeem themselves on the road as they travel to Chicago on a short week to take on the Bears, who are currently cruising in the middle of the rankings behind Khalil Mack and a formidable defense.
See below for the full list of NFL Power Rankings:
Rank: 8
Last Week: 7
NFL Top 5: Rams, Chiefs, Eagles, Jaguars, Panthers
NFC South: Panthers (5), Saints (6), Falcons (14)
Week 4 Opponent Ranking: Bears (17)
Rank: 13
Last Week: 9
NFL Top 5: Rams, Chiefs, Eagles, Dolphins, Titans
NFC South: Saints (8), Panthers (9), Falcons (19)
Week 4 Opponent Ranking: Bears (16)
Rank: 16
Last Week: 11
NFL Top 5: Rams, Chiefs, Eagles, Jaguars, Panthers
NFC South: Panthers (5), Saints (12), Falcons (19)
Week 4 Opponent Ranking: Bears (17)
Rank: 5
Last Week: 6
NFL Top 5: Rams, Chiefs, Saints, Eagles, Buccaneers
NFC South: Saints (3), Falcons (6), Panthers (7)
Week 4 Opponent Ranking: Bears (18)
Rank: 13
Last Week: 11
NFL Top 5: Rams, Chiefs, Eagles, Jaguars, Saints
NFC South: Saints (5), Panthers (11), Falcons (12)
Week 4 Opponent Ranking: Bears (18)
