Tampa Bay Buccaneers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 31 of 43 pass attempts for 303 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception during Sunday's Week 16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He also took four sacks and rushed for 42 yards. Finally, Mayfield fumbled once, but he was able to pick up the loose ball. All in all, Mayfield had a solid showing, but it wasn't enough to propel Tampa Bay over Dallas. The 29-year-old ranks as a top-six fantasy quarterback this season with his 3,920 yards, 37 total touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Fantasy managers should view him as a top option among quarterbacks when he takes on a subpar Carolina Panthers defense in Week 17, coinciding with most fantasy leagues' championships.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) injured his hamstring in the Sunday night game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16 and was ruled out. It was a frustrating night for anyone that used Shepard in their starting fantasy lineups in deeper leagues, as he ends up finishing the contest with only one reception on three targets for 20 yards. The 31-year-old veteran pass-catcher injured his hamstring during a run in the third quarter. If he is unable to play in Week 17 versus the division-rival Carolina Panthers in a good matchup, Trey Palmer would most likely serve as Tampa's No. 3 wideout behind Mike Evans and rookie Jalen McMillan. Shepard came into the Week 16 game on Sunday night outside of the top 50 receivers in half-PPR points scored per game this year, so he hasn't been much more than a bye-week streamer, even with Chris Godwin (ankle) out for the season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) has been downgraded to out for Sunday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16. The Bucs will be without Otton and will play Payne Durham at tight end in his absence. Otton was a big pass-catching threat at the position but Durham has caught just two passes so far this season. It will be a big fantasy downgrade at the position for Tampa Bay which also expects Ko Kieft and Devin Culp to fill in some at tight end. Kieft and Culp have yet to catch a pass this season. Expect wide receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan to benefit the most from Otton's absence, likely seeing an uptick in targets.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin turned in a great performance for fantasy managers during last week's game. McLaughlin connected on all eight of his kicks in the win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The 28-year-old made four field goals and four extra point attempts in what was a busy day for him. The expectation is that McLaughlin is going to be busy once again versus the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16. The Cowboys have a banged up defense that should give the Bucs plenty of scoring chances this weekend. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable starting McLaughlin in Week 16.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Payne Durham could have an expanded role during the Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The 24-year-old hasn't done much this season, but he could be asked to start this weekend with fellow tight end Cade Otton (knee) listed as doubtful for Sunday. Durham has hauled in both his targets for 34 yards this season, so his sample size is extremely small. The absence of Otton will likely just lead to more targets for wide receivers Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan, and possibly Sterling Shepard. Fantasy managers shouldn't risk starting Durham in an important fantasy playoff week.