Buccaneers NFL WEEK 5 Baker Mayfield has led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to their first 3-0 start in 21 years, engineering game-winning drives in all three contests. Here’s how he’s become the NFL’s clutch king.
Buccaneers Trending Up as Baker Mayfield Extension Looms
FOX Sports’ latest 2026 NFL Power Rankings deliver encouraging news for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers land at No. 20, climbing two spots from their previous ranking. The national read on Tampa Bay is clear: the defense has improved, but the biggest gains may come from better health and stability on offense.
The Baker Mayfield contract situation remains the central storyline. FOX Sports notes that removing that distraction could unlock a more consistent offense. Tampa Bay’s offseason focus on depth, continuity, and defensive upgrades positions the Bucs as a potential NFC South riser. For a team that has hovered around the playoff bubble the past two seasons, the rankings suggest a path upward if Mayfield and the offense stay healthy.
Dolphins Begin a Full Rebuild Under Jeff Hafley
The Miami Dolphins take the biggest hit among Florida’s teams, falling to No. 31. FOX Sports frames Miami’s situation as a long-term rebuild under first-year head coach Jeff Hafley. The Dolphins’ quarterback situation is intriguing — Malik Willis offers upside — but the lack of proven weapons and a brutal schedule create a steep climb.
Miami’s ranking reflects a franchise resetting its identity. The Dolphins have talent on defense and a quarterback with potential, but FOX Sports signals that 2026 will be about development rather than contention. For a fan base accustomed to playoff pushes, this season may require patience.
Jaguars Slip but Still Carry Playoff Expectations
Jacksonville checks in at No. 11, sliding from eighth in the previous rankings. FOX Sports expresses skepticism about the Jaguars’ offseason decisions, particularly at running back, where the team is leaning on an unproven committee. Still, the ranking shows national respect for Jacksonville’s coaching stability and overall roster strength.
The Jaguars remain the highest‑ranked Florida team and the only one positioned as a clear playoff contender. The question is whether their offseason gambles pay off. FOX Sports suggests that Jacksonville’s margin for error is thinner than last year, but the ceiling remains high.
Florida’s NFL Landscape Heading Into Camp
The FOX Sports rankings paint a realistic picture of Florida’s NFL landscape: Tampa Bay rising, Jacksonville steady but scrutinized, and Miami rebuilding. Training camp will determine whether the Buccaneers’ health, the Jaguars’ roster bets, and the Dolphins’ new direction can shift the narrative before Week 1
