Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rumors: 5 Biggest Buccaneers Rumors Heading Into NFL Week 13

Heading into NFL Week 13 action, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a home game against the Atlanta Falcons. What are the five biggest Buccaneers rumors heading into this week's game?

1. Can Jameis Winston Continue Playing at a Superstar Level?

Even though the Buccaneers were unable to knock off the Indianapolis Colts last week, Jameis Winston looked like an absolute star. He has been looking like a superstar for a few weeks now and there is no question that Tampa Bay picked the right player with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Winston needs to step up and play like a superstar again this week and it will be intriguing to see if he does.

2. Is Doug Martin Back to Being a Franchise Caliber Running Back?

After suffering through a major slump, Doug Martin is finally looking like a star again. He was an absolute stud during his rookie season and that is what he is starting to look like this season. Martin has to continue proving it, however, and this week against the Falcons gives him an excellent stage to do just that on.

3. Will Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson Continue Stepping Up?

Now that they finally have a quarterback, both Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson have been playing very well. They are one of the top wide receiver duos in the NFL. It will be intriguing to see how they play this week against their NFC South rivals and whether or not they can continue stepping up for their rookie quarterback.

4. Can the Defense Step Up and Create Turnovers, Get to the Quarterback?

Lovie Smith was hoping to have a quality defense this season, but it has been a year full of inconsistency for them. They have to figure out how to consistently step up and create turnovers. Getting to the quarterback is another area that needs to improve and they can start doing that this week against the struggling Falcons.

5. Are the Buccaneers Ready to Contend for a Playoff Spot?

Sitting at 5-6 on the season, the Buccaneers are not very far out of a wild card spot in the NFC. Winning this week would move them to 6-6 and would give them season sweep and the tiebreaker over Atlanta. That would be huge for their playoff chances, but they have to take care of business this week to prove that they are ready to contend for a spot.