Buccaneers Surge Unexpectedly: What’s Behind Their Dramatic Climb in Power Rankings?

Ever wonder what it takes for a team to rise from the ashes of doubt and injuries and stake a claim at the very summit of the NFL landscape? Well, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not just knocking on the door anymore—they’re kicking it wide open. Tied for the best record in the league and playing like a squad reborn, they’ve surged all the way up to No. 1 in the latest power rankings, a leap so dramatic it’s got analysts scratching their heads and fans buzzing with excitement. With Baker Mayfield orchestrating jaw-dropping plays and a defense that’s as tenacious as ever, Tampa Bay is channeling some serious Super Bowl-era mojo. So, is this the dawn of a new Buccaneers dynasty, or just a wild midseason fever dream? Buckle up—it’s one hell of a ride.

TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 12: Tampa Bay Buccaneers flags are flown against the San Francisco 49ers in the game at Raymond James Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. — (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a force right now, and they’re not even at full strength.

They’re tied for the best record in the NFL, thanks to winning some games they seemed unlikely to win.

With that in mind, Eric Edholm of NFL.com moved them from No. 4 all the way to No. 1 in his latest power rankings.

“Every single Sunday, Baker Mayfield seems to make one hellacious play with his legs, completely flummoxing the defense and invariably inspiring his teammates. Sunday’s offering was a ridiculous scramble to move the chains on third-and-14. Two snaps later, he delivered a bomb to rookie WR Tez Johnson, who made a fingertip grab for one of the most aesthetically pleasing touchdowns of the season. The WR ranks remain painfully thin, but with Mayfield under center, the Buccaneers always have a chance. Tampa Bay faces a tough road game this coming Monday night in Detroit, but the Bucs have shown they’ll go into any lion’s den and compete,” Edholm wrote.

Notably, this might be the first time since Tom Brady retired that the Buccaneers have been at the top of anybody’s power rankings.

Then again, it’s more than deserving.

Mayfield is the current favorite to win NFL MVP this season.

Not only has the well-traveled quarterback posted some of the best numbers and plays of his career, but he’s managed to do so without his best weapons.

Mayfield has three game-winning drives in Tampa Bay’s five wins.

He’s managed to succeed despite running back Bucky Irving and wide receivers Chris Godwin Jr. and Mike Evans being sidelined with injuries.

Mayfield did it again in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers after star rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka left the game with a hamstring injury.

On top of that, the Buccaneers have a physical and hard-hitting defense that’s not going to shy away from any challenge.

This is the best they’ve looked since their Super Bowl days.

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