NFL power rankings: Vikings, Eagles fight for top spot

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 17: Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) ,Minnesota Vikings cornerback Terence Newman (23), and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) take a breather during a NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.The Vikings defeated the Bengals 34-7.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 26: Desmond Trufant /

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Dirk Koetter and his staff are walking on thin ice coming off a 5-11 season. Everyone’s dark-horse pick for the postseason in 2017 was an extreme disappointment all around the board. The Buccaneers are still looking for their first playoff berth since 2007 and the competition in the NFC South isn’t doing them any favors.

The Bucs were active in free agency, filling two of their biggest needs at edge rusher and on the interior of the offensive line. The price they paid was a result of a seller’s market. Ryan Jensen becomes the highest paid center in the league after just one year as a starter while Vinny Curry gets $27 million after just a three-sack season. Those are two big risks that could ultimately payout, but the Bucs are left betting on potential.

If there’s a silver lining, extending Mike Evans and re-signing Cameron Brate brings back Jameis Winston’s favorite targets. That’s good news for his continued development. To the team’s frustration, Winston has yet to take that next step in his career. Once a starting caliber running back is added to the mix, there’s no excuse for him going forward.

This is a talented team but we’ve yet to see them produce on the field. For that reason, it’s why they land at No. 27 on the power rankings.

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