3 reasons the Buccaneers will go over their projected win total in 2023

What an offseason of change it's been for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's always tough losing one fo the greatest to ever do it, and that's what Tampa has had to adjust to after seein Tom Brady hang 'em up.

Enter: Baker Mayfield and let the competition between he and Kyle Trask begin.

Spoiler alert: It's going to be Baker.

Behind Mayfield and the rest of the potent playmakers on offense, why are the Bucs only being given a projected win total of 6.5 in 2023? It seems highly likely that Tampa exceeds that number, and for three good reasons.

The NFC South might be the worst division in football

Take a look around the NFC South for a moment. These Buccaneers won the division in 2022 by finishing a measly 8-9, with the other three franchises all going 7-10.

The Panthers have a rookie quarterback, and no matter how good Bryce Young might be, he's still a rookie. It will take time for him to break out. Carolina's defense is certainly underrated, but Young is the wild card.

The Falcons have a middle-of-the-road quarterback entering his second-year, but first full year as a starter in Desmond Ridder. Atlanta's defense has a lot to prove after being one of the league's worst units last season.

Meanwhile, the Saints could finish atop the division due to the sheer talent they have at key positions, and if Derek Carr can give them what they're looking for.

But, as a whole? This division still doesn't stand a chance against the NFC's elite. Tampa could wind up going 3-3 or even 4-2 within the division and being well on their way to winning more than 6.5 games due to the lack of talent they're playing against six times a year.