NFL Power Rankings, Week 14: Ravens perched atop AFC, Packers bounce back
By Dan Parzych
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21)
All season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been one of the most difficult teams in the NFL to figure out since there are some weeks they look like legitimate contenders, only to struggle the next.
But after winning for the third time in four games on Sunday after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 28-11, it’s difficult not to wonder if this is the perfect too little, too late scenario for the Buccaneers.
Believe it or not, Tampa Bay’s defense actually turned out to be a major difference-maker in the win for the Buccaneers after making things so difficult for Nick Foles that Doug Marrone ended up benching the former Super Bowl MVP.
Even if Tampa Bay manages to stay hot during the final stretch in December, playoffs already seem like a long shot for Bruce Arians and company since the NFC, in general, is loaded with too many teams battling for Wild Card spots.
On another note, if the Buccaneers do end up falling short of the playoffs, it will be interesting to see what the offseason holds for Jameis Winston since the former No. 1 pick deserves some credit for doing just enough on offense to help Tampa Bay win during Week 13.