Team Profile
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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12.8% 7thOff DVOA
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34.5% 5thPassing DVOA
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2% 8thRushing DVOA
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1.2% 16thDef DVOA
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12.4% 23rdDef Passing DVOA
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-18.2% 6thDef Rushing DVOA
2024 Team Stats
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Points For29.5 4th
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Points Against22.6 16th
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Yards Per Game400.0 3rd
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Yards Allowed Per Game342.0 17th
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield put together an excellent regular season that included 4,500 passing yards and over 40 passing touchdowns. Now, Mayfield looks to keep it going during Sunday's Wild-Card game against the Washington Commanders. Mayfield threw for nearly 300 yards with four touchdowns during their last meeting with Washington in Week 1. Obviously, that was a long time ago, but Mayfield has shown no signs of slowing down with multiple touchdown passes in each of his last five games. Taking Mayfield in DFS contests does come with some risk because of turnovers. Mayfield has one turnover or more in five of his last six games. Despite that, this is a plus-matchup for Mayfield which could make it worth the gamble.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) is trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's Wild-Card game against the Washington Commanders. Otton was limited in practice to begin the week before getting in a full session on Thursday. The injury report for Friday has yet to be released, but head coach Todd Bowles said Otton is trending the right way. Otton hasn't played since suffering a knee injury in Week 15. His absence has freed up more playing time for Payne Durham and rookie Devin Culp. If active, Otton won't be anything more than a touchdown-dependent fantasy option with receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan taking on bigger roles lately.
According to Scott Smith of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, tight end Cade Otton (knee) logged a full practice on Thursday. This is an excellent sign for Otton, as he has been unable to fully participate since sustaining the knee injury during Week 15. Otton has missed the previous three games. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status on Friday's injury report, as he may be able to avoid an injury designation if he can log another full session. While sidelined, Payne Durham has taken over No.1 tight end duties and is currently riding a two-game touchdown streak. Over his previous eight contests, Otton saw seven targets per game and averaged 54.6 yards per game. If he is cleared to return on Sunday evening, he should be viewed as a low-end TE1 in DFS formats facing the Washington Commanders, who have allowed the ninth-fewest PPR points to the position.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan (finger) is listed on this week's injury report with a finger injury but was able to give it a full-go in practice on Wednesday. It's something to keep an eye on the rest of the week, but barring a setback, McMillan should be good to go for Sunday night's wild-card playoff battle against the visiting Washington Commanders. The 23-year-old third-round selection out of Washington came on like gangbusters to close out his rookie campaign in the regular season, catching 24 of 31 targets for 316 yards and seven touchdowns in the last five contests. McMillan is the No. 2 behind future Hall of Famer Mike Evans, but there are enough looks to go around in Tampa's pass-happy offense for the rookie to be considered on the WR1/2 borderline for DFS playoff lineups this weekend.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot/knee) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. Shepard was listed on the practice report for a hamstring injury last week so his presence with a new injury this week is slightly worrisome for Bucs fans. Shepard has had a nice season for the Bucs. He has operated primarily as the No. 3 wide receiver due to injuries to both Chris Godwin (ankle) and Jalen McMillan (finger) for much of the season. McMillan and Mike Evans (rest) are currently the top two options in this passing offense. However, Shepard plays an important role as a chain mover when called upon. He recorded 32 receptions for 334 yards and a touchdown in 2024. He has been solid all around for a Buccaneers team with a legitimate shot at making a playoff run this season. His status will need to be monitored heading into the weekend. The Bucs will need all the help they can get against a young and hungry Washington Commanders team on Sunday night.