Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: Week 5 sees 49ers stay low, a new team at No. 1

By Peter Panacy

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers shake hands after overtime of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. Arizona won 18-15. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers shake hands after overtime of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. Arizona won 18-15. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 1: Tight end Cameron Brate #84 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates in the end zone after hauling in a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jameis Winston during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants on October 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 1: Tight end Cameron Brate #84 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates in the end zone after hauling in a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jameis Winston during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants on October 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

48. . 2-1. . Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 12. team

Yes, the Giants are 0-4, and the Buccaneers seemingly had an easy matchup at home versus New York in Week 4.

But the Giants have made back-to-back serious attempts to get things on track, yet Tampa Bay was able to ensure the Giants’ losing streak would continue, following a game-winning field goal as time expired.

Was it pretty? Not necessarily. Will the Bucs take it? Absolutely.

The Buccaneers still have issues on the ground, but running back Jacquizz Rodgers managed 83 yards on 16 carries. Don’t expect that on a week-to-week basis, but it’s nice to see, especially with fellow tailback Doug Martin (suspension) due back in Week 5.

Despite going only 3-of-11 on third downs, the Buccaneers still managed to put up enough points early on to ensure they’d be in a position to win down the stretch. Key victories like these should help Tampa Bay’s chances in securing a playoff berth this season.

The Buccaneers face a short week, though, and get to host the Patriots on Thursday Night Football.