The Tampa Bay Buccaneers concluded their 2023 campaign with a commendable record of 9-8, securing the NFC South division title for the third consecutive year, marking a franchise-best streak. Their performance underscores the team’s resilience and capability to compete high, setting a solid foundation for the 2024 NFL season. For fantasy football enthusiasts, understanding the Buccaneers’ player projections is crucial. These forecasts guide draft strategies and influence weekly lineup decisions, significantly impacting the pursuit of fantasy football glory.
Quarterback Outlook
Baker Mayfield emerges as a focal point for fantasy league managers, leading the Buccaneers to a playoff run and showcasing his talent by winning the Precision Passing challenge at the 2024 Pro Bowl. With a strong performance of 28 passing touchdowns (ranking 7th overall in 2023) and 4,044 passing yards (9th overall in 2023), Mayfield’s recent season underlines his potential for generating significant fantasy points.
Fantasy enthusiasts should closely watch Mayfield’s ongoing contract negotiations, especially with the Buccaneers’ interest in retaining him as their starting quarterback. The team’s efforts to secure Mayfield, coupled with the arrival of offensive coordinator Liam Coen, could play a pivotal role in determining Mayfield’s fantasy value for the 2024 season.
Running Backs to Watch
In the Buccaneers’ backfield, Rachaad White and Chase Edmonds offer the varied potential for fantasy managers. White, with his impressive 2023 season tally of 272 carries (tied for 2nd), 990 rushing yards (14th), and 9 total touchdowns (11th highest), alongside an average of 13.9 fantasy points per game, stands out as a prime candidate for lead back duties.
His performance, particularly in PPR (Point Per Reception) leagues, could make him a valuable pick. On the other hand, Chase Edmonds presents a more speculative option with an average of 2.5 fantasy points per game.
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Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Within the Buccaneers’ offensive scheme, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin stand out as Baker Mayfield’s primary options, positioning themselves as robust selections for fantasy enthusiasts.
Evans, leading the Buccaneer players in fantasy scoring with a snap percentage (SNP%) of 78% and accruing an average of 14.3 points per game, alongside Godwin, who boasts an SNP% of 81% with 9 points per game, are anticipated to maintain their influential roles. Their proven track records suggest another productive season ahead, solidifying their status as dependable draft choices.
Emerging talents such as Trey Palmer, with an average of 4.6 fantasy points per game, David Moore at 2.6, and Rakim Jarrett, contributing 0.8, present themselves as intriguing sleeper picks. Their potential upside, particularly in a Buccaneers’ offense that might emphasize passing strategies more heavily, warrants attention from fantasy managers looking for late-round steals or undervalued assets.
At tight end, Cade Otton and Payne Durham are intriguing late-round selections for managers scouting for hidden gems, particularly in the red zone. With a snap percentage (SNP%) of 96% and an average of 5.5 points per game, Otton shows promise as a primary option in the Buccaneers’ passing attack. Although participating in just 12% of snaps, Durham also presents a speculative opportunity, averaging 0.8 points per game. Their potential to ascend in Tampa Bay’s offensive scheme could translate to valuable fantasy production, especially for those willing to take a chance on breakout candidates.
Sleepers and Breakout Candidates
A breakout candidate to watch is Trey Palmer, whose role in the offense could expand, making him a valuable late-round pick or waiver-wire addition. Additionally, the Buccaneers’ defense has players capable of exceeding expectations and becoming fantasy-relevant in IDP formats.
Final Thoughts
The Buccaneers offer a mix of reliability and potential in fantasy football. Mayfield’s leadership, combined with the talent at wide receiver and running back, makes Tampa Bay an intriguing team for fantasy drafts. Monitoring training camp battles and preseason performances will be key in identifying value picks and sleepers for your fantasy team.
Keep an eye on the Buccaneers’ player dynamics as the season approaches, and adjust your draft strategy accordingly to maximize your fantasy roster’s potential.