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2018 NFL Power Rankings: Vikings, Raiders start preseason with flare

By Randy Gurzi

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after a touchdown pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs #14 in the first quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos during an NFL preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after a touchdown pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs #14 in the first quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos during an NFL preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 09: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a throw in the first quarter during a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 09: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a throw in the first quarter during a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (28)

They got a win in their first preseason game, but that’s nothing to be too thrilled about. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still in a lot of trouble this season. First off, they have a strong need at the running back position and there wasn’t a whole lot about what Ronald Jones did in his debut to ease those concerns. To his credit, Peyton Barber looked strong, but he’s not someone to lean an entire running game on.

Beyond that, there are concerns under center. The Bucs will have to turn to Ryan Fitzpatrick to start the season as Jameis Winston is suspended for three games. Even when he returns, there’s no reason to think they will be better. Winston has yet to prove he’s a winner and continues to have his name mentioned for all the wrong reasons.

Another issue for the Bucs propped up again as their kicking woes continued. This is the same team that traded up in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft to get Roberto Aguayo. The move was lambasted as Aguayo was just terrible for them. It feels as if it has cursed them as every player to come through struggles for them.

Chandler Catanzaro is the next to have problems for them as he was 2-of-3 on both field goals and extra points. At least the field goal was over 50-yards, but the extra point should make them nervous, mostly because of their recent history.

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