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NFL Power Ranking Preseason Edition: NFC only gets better

By George Stockburger

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws as he warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws as he warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 2: Nose tackle Sylvester Williams #92 of the Denver Broncos sacks quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter of an NFL game on October 2, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 2: Nose tackle Sylvester Williams #92 of the Denver Broncos sacks quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter of an NFL game on October 2, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 31. team. 48. . .

Tampa Bay could find themselves in a deep hole to start the season thanks to Jameis Winston’s three-game suspension. Ryan Fitzpatrick has won 48 games in his career, but at the age of 35 can he stay healthy and keep the Buccaneers ship above water? They face New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh with Winston out, each of whom was in the playoffs last year.

Winston’s suspension could lead to rookie running back Ronald Jones II getting more carries in the first three games. Jones was a favorite of many coming out of USC, and some considered him to be a steal with the 38th overall pick.

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Can DeSean Jackson, a receiver who has relied solely on his speed, stay relevant at the age of 31 and in his 11th season? Tampa Bay needs someone, perhaps Chris Godwin, to step up and take attention away from Mike Evans.

There are a lot of players on Tampa Bay’s defense who still need to prove themselves, whether they are veterans or just entering the league. Vinny Curry never lived up to his big contract in Philadelphia, Vernon Hargreaves has one interception in his career, and Vita Vea needs to prove he’s more than a big guy up the middle next to Gerald McCoy.

Tampa Bay has an early bye week bookended by away games, and four of their six games coming out of the bye are on the road.

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