SI Power Rankings: Buccaneers Drop in Latest Edition Despite Win Over Colts
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers moved up a few spots in Sports Illustrated's power rankings after beating the Giants in Week 11, but they have now dropped a spot despite beating the Indianapolis Colts, 38-31, on Sunday. The Colts dropped from No. 7 last week to No. 13 this week after the loss.
To be fair, last week's rankings contained a five-way tie for second place, so a team -or teams- was bound to drop a spot or two regardless of what happened last week. I mean, this is football, not soccer. The NFL doesn't do draws.
Regardless, the Bucs are sitting at No. 3 heading into Week 13. Ahead of them are the 9-2 Arizona Cardinals and 9-3 Green Bay Packers, which is rather interesting in itself considering that the Packers beat the Cardinals, 24-21, back in Week 8.
Tampa Bay currently holds the No. 3 seed in the playoffs, as well.
Albert Breer penned this week's column and had the following to say about the Bucs:
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8–3)
Last week: Win at Indianapolis, 38–31
Next week: at AtlantaA quality win at Indy, plus a workable schedule the rest of the way means a redux of 2020’s flying finish is in play.
This week's opponent, the Atlanta Falcons have a 5-6 record and are slightly behind the Washington Football Team (5-6) for the No. 7 seed in the NFC. As for this week's power rankings, the Falcons are holding down the No. 24 spot:
24. Atlanta Falcons (5–6)
Last week: Win at Jacksonville, 21–14
Next week: vs. Tampa BayThe roster needs work still, but there’s a lot to like about how Arthur Smith and his staff have creatively kept this team where it is.
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