Fantasy Preview: Buccaneers' Offense Is Loaded With Talent, Potential Points

By Chris Farley

After another winning season, the Bucs are a dark horse contender to go deep into the NFC playoffs. Baker Mayfield’s renaissance in Tampa is no longer disputed, and he’ll bring with him a cadre of pass-catchers that’s among the best in the NFL. Last year their offense was highly productive, top-4 in points and yards per game with the best marks in the NFL on third down conversions. Bucky Irving and a solid front also elevated their rushing attack (5.2 yards per carry in 2024, 3rd overall). By adding a legitimate pass-rusher in Haason Reddick to a front-seven that’s already top-tier against the run (3rd in rush yards per game allowed last season), Tampa is locked and loaded for even bigger results this year, especially in the weak NFC South.

Odds to Make Playoffs: (-144 at FanDuel)

• Quarterback: Baker Mayfield

  • Last Season: 17 games, 407-570, 71.4%, 4,500 yards, 7.9 ave, 265 yards/game, 41 TDs/16 INTs

  • Mayfield was one of the most prolific passers in the NFL last season and shows no signs of slowing down. Tampa drafted playmaking receiver Emeka Egbuka to an already hyper-talented roster of pass-catchers, joining a crew that led Mayfield to become the most efficient starter last season. With one of the easier schedules in the league to boot, Baker’s floor is as high as any fantasy QB in the NFL.

• Running Back: Bucky Irving

  • Last Season: 17 games, 207 carries, 1,122 yards, 5.4 yards per carry, 9 plays over 30 yards, 8 TDs, 89 total yards/game, 1 fumble lost

  • Rookie Bucky Irving broke out last season as one of the NFL’s most exciting new running backs. Assembling 1,514 total yards in his 2024 campaign, Irving is a reliable pass-catcher and physical runner, the biggest part of Tampa’s top-3 mark in yards per carry (5.2). The Bucs’ persistent passing attack enables Irving to attack softer defensive schemes, which grants the second-year player a great outlook this season.

• Wide Receiver: Mike Evans

  • Last Season: 14 games, 74 receptions, 110 targets, 1,004 yards, 13.6 average, 11 TDs, 3 plays over 30 yards, 72 yards/game, 226 yards after catch

  • Evans continues to be Tampa’s #1 option and one of the most productive WRs in the NFL, holding the record for most consecutive 1,000 yard seasons (7). Some of his target shares could decline, especially with the addition of Egbuka, who’s getting acclaim in the preseason. Regardless, Evans dynamic athletic ability and reliability as a catcher ensures his standing as an integral piece of the Bucs’ offense and a top-15 WR in fantasy.

• Tight End: Cade Otton

  • Last Season: 14 games, 59 receptions, 87 targets, 600 yards, 10.2 average, 4 TDs, 2 plays over 30 yards, 43 yards/game, 311 yards after catch

  • Cade Otton is a solid tight end who makes the most out of his opportunities, seen clearly in his yards after the catch, which are more than half of the total reception yards. His opportunities will be greatly limited, though, due to Tampa’s deep WR depth chart. At best, Otton is a TE-2 with an average floor.

• Defense

  • Last Season: 22.7 points per game, 39.11% 3rd down rate (15th), 62.86% 4th down rate, 29th in interceptions (7), 19th in sacks (46), 16 fumbles caused, 11 fumbles recovered, 40 touchdowns allowed

  • The Bucs’ defense has plenty of room to improve, average to below average in most major categories. They remain steady against the run (3rd in rush yards/game allowed last season) and the addition of Haason Reddick should help their pass rush. But an offense that’s extremely potent will put pressure on opposing teams to score, and Tampa’s roster qualifies as good-not-great from a defensive talent perspective.