Tampa Bay Buccaneers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) was listed as limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Shepard did not play in the Week 17 win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers due to foot and hamstring injuries, but a limited session on Wednesday means he could be on track to return in Week 18 in a must-win game against the division-rival New Orleans Saints this Sunday. The 31-year-old could be removed from the final injury report entirely by Friday if he's able to upgrade to a full practice. If Shepard returns to face the Saints, he'll be a touchdown-dependent WR4/5, at best, for fantasy managers. Due to the recent resurgence of rookie wideout Jalen McMillan, Shepard is Tampa's clear WR3 behind McMillan and veteran Mike Evans when he's healthy. Shepard has been outside the top-50 receivers in half-PPR points per game in 2024.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight ends Cade Otton (knee) and Payne Durham (quadriceps) both missed practice on Wednesday. Otton has missed the last two games due to a left-knee injury and is fully in danger of missing a third straight game in the Week 18 regular-season contest versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Now that Durham is also on the injury report, the Bucs' TE room could be down to Devin Culp (ribs) this weekend. In a game that the Bucs need to win in order to clinch the NFC South and a playoff berth, their TE situation is worth monitoring for fantasy purposes. The 25-year-old Otton is the team's unquestioned top TE when he's healthy, but Culp could be an attractive low-cost DFS option if both Otton and Durham are ruled out. In the Week 17 win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers, Culp contributed for the first time all year, catching three of four targets for 52 yards.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (shin, shoulder) was listed as limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Although Irving is dealing with two injuries leading up to the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints, he should be fine to play this weekend. The 22-year-old has been playing through injuries all year and has been the team's most productive back, posting 1,033 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 188 carries while also adding 45 receptions and 397 yards through the air in his first 16 NFL games. The Buccaneers need to win to secure the NFC South title and a playoff berth, so none of their starters will be rested. Irving continues to split backfield touches with Rachaad White and Sean Tucker, but he will be a high-end RB1 for fantasy managers in Week 18.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin saw a ton of work during Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. McLaughlin was called upon for six extra point attempts and two field goals and he connected on all of them to make an eight-kick day for him. Fantasy managers who trusted McLaughlin saw a good result during Sunday's blowout win. The 28-year-old has been one of the more reliable kicking options this season. He continues to get plenty of chances with the way this Bucs offense is rolling right now. McLaughlin remains a strong streaming option for next week's matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Payne Durham once again saw an expanded role with Cade Otton (knee) sidelined for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. Last week, Durham hauled in five of his seven targets for 29 yards. This week, Durham didn't see as many targets, but he finished with two receptions on three targets for 36 yards and a touchdown in the win. Both Durham and Devin Culp saw increased roles with Otton on the sideline. Durham might be worth a look as a low-end TE2 if Otton remains out for next week's matchup against the New Orleans Saints.