TAMPA, Fla. — The Buccaneers are getting ready to defend their title as champions and the NFL's Week 1 "Power Rankings" have the team claiming the top spot.
Coming in at No. 1, the NFL Network's Dan Hanzus says the time for predicting a decline from quarterback Tom Brady is over "since standard logic doesn't hold with the man."
The writer and "Around the NFL" podcast host gave the Bucs the top spot because he finds that putting another NFC team ahead of the reigning champs, especially ones who became the first-ever team to win at home, means "you're simply trying too hard."
Hanzus predicts the following teams will round out Week 1's top five:
- No. 2: Kansas City Chiefs
- No. 3: Buffalo Bills
- No. 4: Green Bay Packers
- No. 5: Baltimore Ravens
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could take a page out of the Tampa Bay Lightning's book and secure back-to-back Super Bowl championships this year, especially since the team is returning all 22 starters.
Kickoff between the Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys is set for 8:20 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, at Raymond James Stadium. Here's what you need to know ahead of game day.