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Buccaneers land middle of pack in way-too-early ESPN power rankings

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are right about average in a way-too-early power ranking for the 2025 NFL season.
Jeremy Brener|
Dec 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
Dec 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers likely weren't thrilled when they saw the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.

However, the Super Bowl marked the end of the 2024 season and the start of the 2025 campaign.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield during NFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield during NFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

This gives the Bucs a fresh start to return to the Super Bowl next season. However, ESPN doesn't like the Bucs' chances to make it to Santa Clara, placing them at No. 16 in their way-too-early power rankings.

READ MORE: Buccaneers remain only team to boast Super Bowl record over Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) is pressured by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50)
Dec 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) is pressured by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Buccaneers need a better defense to compete in 2025

"With the offensive coordinator situation solidified (Josh Grizzard), the Bucs really need to shore up their defense. They've had only three double-digit sack edge rushers since 2005 and none since 2021. They also had only seven interceptions in 2024 after almost double that in 2023 (13). They gave up an average of 22.6 points in 2024, which is middle of the pack and not necessarily bad, but they're trying to go from playoff contender to Super Bowl winner," ESPN insider Jenna Laine wrote.

If the Bucs can get better on the defensive side of the ball during the offseason, they could rise in these rankings and emerge as a threat once again in the NFC.

READ MORE: Former NFL general manager likes Myles Garrett trade to Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 season.

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More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

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• NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reveals special relationship with Tom Brady

• Buccaneers should eye Super Bowl-standout edge rusher in free agency

• Could the Bucs trade Rachaad White? Bucky Irving’s emergence might force a move

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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