Is the tide turning on how the national sports media view the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season?

After last season's collapse, and the very messy, public contract disputes the team went through with quarterback Baker Mayfield and defensive tackle Vita Vea, the vibe around the team heading into training camp was very negative.

All the turmoil played a part in many analysts having doubts over whether the Bucs will bounce back this year. Tampa has consistently been placed in the low 20s in preseason NFL power rankings. Depending on where you look, the Bucs' projected win total for this season is usually only 8 or 8.5, with the under being called the better bet.

Keep in mind, it took an awful 2-7 finish last season for the Bucs to finish at 8-9. Not only did the team collapse down the stretch, but the defense was accused of quitting on the field, and the offense was ravaged by injuries to most of its key players.

Yet, the general consensus has been that the team will be no better this season.

Mayfield, who has vowed not to let his contract situation affect his play, has caught wind of the doubt surrounding his team. He confidently predicted that the Bucs will "shock a lot of people" this year.

Recently, however, analysts have started to take a different tune with the Bucs. Dominique Foxworth said that star rookie Rueben Bain Jr. makes Tampa a Super Bowl contender. Kimberley Martin of ESPN thinks the Bucs can "easily" get to the NFC Championship Game.

Now, Dan Pompei of The Athletic has admitted that a win total of 8 for the Bucs is "too low."

Everything that could have gone wrong for the Bucs last season did go wrong. With just the smallest bit of better injury luck this year, Tampa should easily earn at least a one-game improvement over last year.

As Pompei notes, new additions like Bain and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, plus the benefit of playing in a weak division, should be enough to propel the Bucs to an extra win in 2026.

"The Bucs are capable of winning more games than they did one year ago, when they were 8-9 in a season when everything that could have gone wrong did. The Bucs won 10 games two years ago and are capable of a similar win total in 2026, especially considering the mediocre state of the NFC South. For them to exceed eight wins, they will need impact from rookie edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., effective game planning and play calling from new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, and better health. Having a motivated and slightly perturbed Baker Mayfield won’t hurt. — Dan Pompei"

Pompei's last point about a "motivated and slightly perturbed" Mayfield is spot on. Mayfield, who I believe has been pushed way past "slightly perturbed," always plays his best when he feels like he has something to prove.

I think the Bucs' win total being set at only eight is borderline ridiculous. In my opinion, they are clearly the best team in the NFC South and should cruise to at least nine wins this year.

Mayfield playing with a huge chip on his shoulder, a star-studded rookie class, a handful of aggressive free-agent signings, and an OC whose offense is very similar to previous OC Liam Coen's should more than offset the losses of Mike Evans and Jamel Dean.

I think the Bucs will reach double-digit wins this season, and blow past their projected win totals.