With Week 11 nearly in the books, media outlets are starting to put together new power rankings, and the Bucs have taken a massive hit. Entering Week 7, multiple media outlets had Tampa Bay ranked top three, and even Sports Illustrated crowned the Bucs with the No. 1 spot.
Since that season peak, the Bucs are 1-3 and have dropped like flies in all rankings. Pre-Week 11 MNF, let's see where the Bucs stand and decide whether or not it's fair.
Pro Football Sports Network: No. 12
This spot is the average among sporting media outlets so far in the Week 12 power rankings. Although the Bucs have dropped three out of four, they're still a fantastic team. Key injuries returning soon, and a lighter schedule upcoming, this ranking feels low. PFSN has the 5-5 NFL darling Chiefs ranked 8th, well above Tampa Bay, which is absurd.
The Bucs have fought tooth and nail through difficult matchups and were one or two plays away from beating the Patriots last week. The Bucs have victories over the Seahawks in Week 5 and the 49ers by two scores the following week. With these statement victories and who's ahead of them, No. 12 is too low.
Sports Illustrated: Based on Super Bowl odds: No. 13
Even though it's based on Super Bowl odds, this one is ridiculous. However, it's not in order of SB odds, so personal preference is certainly a factor. For some reason, the Bucs are behind the Ravens, 49ers, and Chiefs, who they either beat or have a better record than.
SI has Tampa Bay at +3000 to win the Super Bowl, but the 5-5 Ravens have +1200 odds, and are No. 12. Another outrageous placement, the 7-4 Chargers, who have key wins over the Steelers, Chiefs, and Broncos, are somehow 16th. Top to bottom, this list makes no sense and shouldn't be taken seriously.
FanSided: NFL Spin Zone: No. 11
Finally, a list I can get behind. Nestled right behind the 49ers and Lions, right ahead of the Bears and Jags, this spot is just right. The Bucs' free fall over the last four weeks hasn't buried them, and won't define their season. A key win in Week 12 could be just what the doctor ordered to return the Bucs to the top 10 in these rankings.
Sometimes it feels like these writers don't actually watch football, and if they did, the Bucs would be much higher. The rush defense is fantastic, and rookies have stepped up in the secondary and receiving core when needed most. The 6-4 Bucs are far from the No. 1 spot they held in Week 7, but some of these rankings are ridiculous.