Fansided

Power rankings and record predictions

By Matt Verderame

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 03: Jameis Winston
CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 03: Jameis Winston /

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After going 7-9 and generally looking improved, Tampa Bay shocked its fanbase by firing head coach Lovie Smith. Smith had guided the Buccaneers to a five-win improvement, but it wasn’t enough to save his job, with offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter having since taken over.

Koetter has never been a head coach before, but he’s got plenty of talent between quarterback Jameis Winston, running back Doug Martin, and receivers Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans. With those four firing on all cylinders, the Buccaneers could be a top-10 offense in the NFL this season.

The problem is on defense. Lavonte David and Gerald McCoy are two of the top players in the league at their respective positions, but the rest of the unit has issues. Vernon Hargreaves III was taken in the first round of April’s draft, where the Bucs hoped to find an elite corner to go with veterans Alterraun Verner and Johnathan Banks.

In a division loaded with primetime quarterbacks and All-Pro talent at receiver, the Buccaneers are going to be exposed for their flaws. Add in a schedule that features the tough AFC West and the record could actually be worse in 2016 — even if the team looks marginally better.

Tampa Bay has a ton of promise, but it has some growing pains to endure first.

Record prediction: 7-9

Next: No. 23 Indianapolis Colts