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The Bucs are almost cracking the top 10. They're currently ranked 11th on average, a level they haven't approached since early last season, just before the epic collapse that was the end of the Raheem Morris regime. But the rest of the league is taking notice of these Buccaneers and their explosive offense. Well, except for Pro Football Talk, who can only talk about the lagging attendance.
SB Nation - 11th (up from 14th):
I still think the Bucs are being underrated. They're not being talked about enough. This is a top five offense right now.
Josh Freeman has 16 touchdown passes in his past six games after having 16 all last season.
Fox Sports (Brian Billick) - 9th (up from 10th):
Even with two head-to-head games remaining with the Falcons, it is probably too late to catch them for the NFC South championship. But the Bucs are in prime position to earn a wild-card spot.
CBS Sports (Pete Prisco) - 12th (up from 13th):
Their game this week with the Falcons is a huge one. They've become a real playoff threat
Pro Football Talk - 12th (up from 14th):
With the surging Bucs struggling to sell out against the 9-1 Falcons, it's hard not to wonder whether they could fill up a stadium even if the tickets were free.
Pro Football Weekly - 12th (up from 14th):
Comeback Bucs one of league's most entertaining teams.
NFL.com (Elliot Harrison) - 11th (up from 12th):
Sunday's win in Charlotte was absolutely ridiculous. The throw-and-catch from Josh Freeman to Vincent Jackson, down 21-13 with 15 ticks left, was unbelievable. Then Freeman's ball placement on the subsequent two-point conversion said a lot about his development from last season. Speaking of which ... the next couple games on the Bucs' docket should speak volumes about the ilk of this team: vs. Falcons, at Broncos.