NFL Power Rankings Week 12: Tampa Bay Buccaneers don't actually fall?

The Bucs lost to a very beatable opponent, and they looked like a very bad team while doing so. The week before they lost to the best team in the league, but managed to compete. And despite that, the Bucs actually dropped a few spots last week, but don't actually drop any this week. They were ranked 21st last week, and remain ranked 21st on average.

SB Nation - 19th (down from 18th)

You can't lose five in a row and expect to compete in a season.

ESPN - 20th (no change)

Five consecutive defeats make the Bucs one of the NFL's most disappointing teams this season.

Fox Sports (Brian Billick) - 23rd (no change)

The Bucs struggled once again with turnovers, but fumbles are more likely when you have a running back that fights for extra yardage after every hit. LeGarrette Blount is getting back to his 2010 form, but it is too little, too late for this season.

NFL.com Expert Rankings - 22nd (down from 20th)

NFL.com (Elliot Harrison) - 22nd (down from 21st)

The Bucs looked terrible Sunday. Their loyal fan base, as well as Atlanta's, has been the most vocal in its displeasure for where the Bucs rank. But what about the performance in Tennessee was impressive? Certainly not Josh Freeman, whose regression almost has gone unnoticed nationally. The run defense makes up for Freeman's woes by not stopping anybody. They even succeeded in making Chris Johnson look like CJ2K again.

CBS Sports (Pete Prisco) - 21st (no change)

The progress they made last season seems like a long time ago. They lack speed on offense, and it shows up.

National Football Post - 21st (no change)

A disappointing season continues in Tampa with another loss.

Pro Football Talk - 20th (no change)

The "toughest . . . schedule . . . ever" excuse went out the window in Nashville.

Pro Football Weekly - 24th (down from 21st)

A Week Six win over the Saints seems ages ago.