Apparently, all it took was one multi-score win for the Buccaneers to be considered the best team in football.
It also helped seeing three of the only other one-loss teams, the Bills, Lions, and Eagles, lose in Week 6.
Suddenly, there is no clear best team in the NFL through six weeks. Anyone can beat anyone, it seems. Tampa Bay, at 5-1, has proven its ability to win, and its quarterback, Baker Mayfield, is playing at a high level. Apparently, that is enough for them to become the default No. 1 team in the league through six weeks.
ESPN moved them from No. 4 to No. 1.
"The Bucs were down to the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth wide receivers -- two of whom scored their first NFL touchdowns. And the defense might be short at corner again, but its depth and ability to get takeaways has catapulted Tampa Bay to the top of the NFC," wrote Jenna Laine of ESPN.
CBS jumped them from No. 3 to No. 1.
"Despite all the injuries, they are 5-1 and hold the top seed in the NFC right now. When they get the injured back on offense, look out," writes Pete Prisco of CBS.
The Athletic gave Tampa Bay the top spot as well, while Sports Illustrated placed them No. 2, behind the 3-3 Kansas City Chiefs.
SI's Conor Orr made sure to mention Baker Mayfield's MVP candidacy, which he said "has really kicked into high gear following Buffalo’s stumble in Atlanta on Monday night."
Fox Sports also crowned Tampa Bay the top spot, up from No. 3 last week.
"Finally, the Bucs get a win that doesn’t come right down to the wire, and against a legitimate 49ers team, too.," wrote Ralph Vacchiano.
It is nice to see Tampa Bay getting some love in Week 6. They have certainly earned it, battling through a difficult early schedule and finding ways to win football game despite a depleted offense. For now, Tampa Bay has earned this.