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Buccaneers Week 9 Power Rankings Roundup: Tampa Bay is Rising Everywhere After 16-0 Win Over Falcons
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- Buccaneers Week 9 Power Rankings Roundup: Tampa Bay is Rising Everywhere After 16-0 Win Over Falcons
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers delivered one of the season's most unusual wins, beating the Atlanta Falcons 16-0 despite Baker Mayfield completing zero passes. The Buccaneers relied on a historic ground attack, piling up a franchise-record 324 rushing yards. Running back Bucky Irving rushed for 170 yards and a touchdown, while Kenny Gainwell added 140 yards.
Atlanta's Michael Penix Jr. endured a difficult afternoon, throwing four interceptions while completing just 8 of 24 passes for 125 yards. Tampa Bay's defense controlled the game, kept Atlanta off the scoreboard and gave its offense room to dictate the pace.
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The victory improved the Buccaneers to 3-5 and followed a stretch in which they had won two of their previous three games. Earlier predictions favoring Tampa Bay proved correct, and the shutout gives national analysts a compelling reason to reconsider the team's position in their Week 9 power rankings.
Where the Buccaneers Stand in National Week 9 Power Rankings
ESPN:18(+6)
Bleacher Report:21(+2)
FOX Sports:24(+2)
CBS Sports:16(+7)
The Sporting News:19(+5)
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What National Pundits Say About the Buccaneers' Surge
"The Bucs have rarely been active at the deadline, so we had to dig deep for this one. Forty-eight years ago, Tampa Bay traded a third-round pick for Horton. He ended up starting 28 games over two years and played in the 1979 NFC title game. Tampa has made two very big offseason trades, both at the start of the millennium. The team dealt two first-round picks to the Jets for WR Keyshawn Johnson, then two first-round picks and two second-round picks to the Raiders for coach Jon Gruden," ESPN .
"After a 1-5 start, the Buccaneers have won back-to-back games since quarterback Baker Mayfield returned. But those victories have owed more to their running game than to his passing production. Since Mayfield returned, he has completed seven passes in total. None of them came in Week 8. For the first time since 1974, a team played an entire game without completing a pass. In the win over Atlanta, the Buccaneers rushed for a franchise-record 324 yards, bringing their total to 600 over the past two games. But with the high-scoring Bears and Lions up next, Tampa will likely need a more balanced offense to extend its winning streak," Gary Davenport, Bleacher Report.
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"I don't even know what to say about what we witnessed from the Bucs the past two weeks. They've run the ball on 105 of their 120 plays over two games for a total of — checks notes — 580 yards. They just paid QB Baker Mayfield $165 million and they let him drop back to throw four passes on Sunday (0 for 3 with one sack). But it worked. They won 16-0. They've outscored their past two opponents by a combined 59-13. Heck, at this rate, they may never throw another pass, and Todd Bowles will keep his job forever," Ralph Vacchiano, FOX Sports.
"They are running it better than anybody in the league. Combine that with a defense playing great football, and Tampa Bay is the best team in the NFC South," Pete Prisco, CBS Sports.
Tampa Bay sends a strong message as the playoff race is back in focus
Oct 25, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) reacts during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Bucky Irving's return to form has given Tampa Bay a reliable offensive identity. His 170 rushing yards against Atlanta followed an impressive performance against Carolina. He has become a major reason the Buccaneers can control games without relying heavily on Mayfield's passing.
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On the other hand, Mayfield's return has coincided with two consecutive victories, but his passing production remains a concern. The quarterback must regain his rhythm, while Irving, Gainwell and the offensive line continue providing support.
Tampa Bay's 3-5 record does not tell the entire story. Two consecutive victories have put the Buccaneers back in contention in the NFC South. Their next challenge is a road matchup against the Chicago Bears on November 8, followed by another difficult test against the Detroit Lions on November 22.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
