The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are officially back among the NFL’s elite. Despite being battered by injuries on both sides of the ball, the Bucs have stormed out to a 5-1 record after a commanding 30-19 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday — Todd Bowles’ first victory over the Niners as Tampa Bay’s head coach and Baker Mayfield’s first in his career.
The win wasn’t just another early-season triumph — it was a statement. With Detroit falling to Kansas City, Tampa Bay now sits atop the NFC at 5-1, owning the best record in the conference and sharing the NFL’s top spot with the Indianapolis Colts.
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Pending Monday night’s matchup between Buffalo and Atlanta, the Bucs could remain tied for the league’s best overall mark.
Mayfield once again proved to be the heartbeat of this team, commanding the offense with grit and precision while Tampa Bay’s defense continued to punish opposing quarterbacks. Even without key playmakers, the Bucs have found ways to win — something that’s becoming their identity.
But the path ahead is no cakewalk.
The Bucs travel to face the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football next week in a potential NFC playoff preview. A victory would solidify their dominance and send them into their Week 9 bye with serious momentum.
After Detroit, the Bucs will see the struggling New Orleans Saints before a tough second half featuring the Rams, Packers, and Falcons again.
For now, though, the Bucs are on the throne — and they’ve earned every bit of it. The rest of the NFC? They’re officially on notice.
Tampa Bay and Detroit will kick off on Monday at 7 p.m. ET.
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