As the Bucs ready themselves for their Week 13 game against the Saints, Joe takes a look at what some of the NFL writers have to say about the Pewter Pirates.

Jason McIntyre of TheBigLead.com has the Bucs at No. 8.

So terrible on the road – lucky to beat Chicago and KC – the Bucs better host a playoff game.

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com has the Bucs at No. 4.

Don’t look now, but they’re the second-best team in the NFC. It isn’t always pretty, but they find a way.

Peter King of SI.com has the Bucs at No. 8.

Not to be a nattering nabob of negativism, but how do you fall behind Detroit 17-0?

Vic Carucci of NFL.com has the Bucs at No. 5.

These guys quietly have hung around and put themselves in position to win their division, but they’ll have to play much better than they did vs. Detroit.

BSPN ranks the Bucs at No. 5. Writes Vacation Man:

The Bucs took care of business in Detroit by scoring on offense, defense and special teams. They might not be flashy, but they get the job done.