Tampa Bay Buccaneers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is working off to the side with a trainer at practice on Wednesday, which is a good first step for him as he works to return following the team's Week 11 bye. Evans isn't going to be ready to return this weekend to face the San Francisco 49ers, but as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks with his hammy, he appears to have a good shot at returning on Nov. 24 to face the New York Giants in Week 12. He's most likely going to be listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice. With Chris Godwin (ankle) also out for the rest of the season, tight end Cade Otton has been by far and away quarterback Baker Mayfield's favorite target through the air. Otton has had at least 10 targets the last three games and has combined for 25 catches, 258 yards and three touchdowns. He's now a must-start TE1 going forward.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard caught four of five targets for 48 yards in Monday night's 30-24 overtime loss to the Chiefs, adding two rushes for 21 yards. It was the second consecutive game that the 31-year-old earned five looks from Baker Mayfield and the fourth time this season he's caught at least three passes. Jalen McMillan (hamstring) was inactive for the game and should he miss another week, then Shepard could once again be one of the top receiving options for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have a tough matchup with the 49ers in Week 10 so even so, he's still probably only a WR4/5.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving led the backfield in touches in Monday night's 30-24 overtime loss to the Chiefs, although it did not amount to much. The 22-year-old totaled 10 touches, seven rushes and six receptions, compared to Rachaad White's six touches and Sean Tucker's four, but the total gain on his opportunities was just 34 yards. With White nabbing the lone rushing touchdown, it was a fairly forgettable fantasy day for the youngster. Still, as long as the rookie out of Oregon remains involved in the passing game -- it was the third straight week he grabbed at least three catches -- then he should at least have a reliable floor in PPR leagues. There will surely be brighter fantasy days ahead, however, it may not come in Week 10 against a solid 49ers defense. Irving figures to be in the RB3/Flex conversation for that matchup.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ryan Miller caught just one of the three passes thrown his way on Monday night, but it was a big one. The 24-year-old caught the critical one-yard touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield at the end of the fourth quarter that helped send the game into overtime, although the Bucs would go on to lose 30-24. The Furman product has received more playing time since the Bucs have been without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, hauling in three of five targets in Week 8's loss to the Falcons, now with a total of five catches on the year. The rookie receiver does not warrant a roster spot, however, could be a DFS dart throw again if Jalen McMillan misses another game or until red zone darling Mike Evans returns.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White carried the ball just three times for 19 yards in Monday night's 30-24 overtime loss to the Chiefs but was able to score his first rushing TD of the 2024 campaign. The 25-year-old has three receiving TDs already this season, and even though he did not score through the air on Monday, he was involved in the passing game again, snagging all three of his targets for 16 yards. Thankfully for fantasy, White is used as a pass catcher and around the goal line, as it was the second consecutive week that he's ceded more carries to fellow back Bucky Irving. With Sean Tucker in the mix as well, there just aren't as many carries to go around. It'll be a grind in next week's matchup at home versus the 49ers, so look for him to land in the low-end RB2/3 range with at least a solid floor in PPR leagues.