Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

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Chase McLaughlin  • K  •  Buccaneers

Chase McLaughlin On Streaming Radar For Week 16

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.
13 hours ago   
Payne Durham  • TE  •  Buccaneers

Payne Durham Avoidable For 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.
13 hours ago   
Sterling Shepard  • WR  •  Buccaneers

Sterling Shepard Has Shaky Flex Value

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) has been cleared ahead of the Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Shepard didn't practice on Wednesday and got in two limited sessions after that, but apparently that was enough to clear Shepard for this weekend. The veteran wideout posted a dud last week. Shepard hauled in his lone target for 16 yards in the win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Rookie wideout Jalen McMillan has proven himself to be a viable option over the last two weeks. McMillan is likely going to take away targets from Shepard, which is going to make the veteran wideout a risky play for Week 16. Fantasy managers should be able to find a better option than a wideout who is probably going to be third or fourth in the pecking order.
13 hours ago   
Jalen McMillan  • WR  •  Buccaneers

Jalen McMillan Could Offer Flex Value

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan has come out of nowhere and become a viable fantasy option over the last few weeks. The rookie wideout has nine receptions for 134 yards and three touchdowns over the last two games. Before Week 14, McMillan hadn't surpassed 35 receiving yards in a single game this season. The 13 targets over the last two weeks suggests that the Bucs are going to keep throwing McMillan's way going forward. He'll get a plus-matchup against a banged up Dallas Cowboys defense in Week 16. McMillan has done enough lately to put himself on the flex radar, but he's probably more of a deep league option.
13 hours ago   
Mike Evans  • WR  •  Buccaneers

Mike Evans Offers WR1 Value

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (rest) has been removed from the injury report after getting in a few limited practice sessions this week. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried as the Bucs were just trying to keep their veteran wideout fresh for this Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Evans is good to go and should be treated as a WR1 for this plus-matchup against the banged up Cowboys defense. Last week, Evans hauled in nine of his 11 targets for 159 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The 31-year-old has finished with 68 receiving yards or more in every game since returning from injury. He should continue being an elite fantasy option this weekend.
14 hours ago   
Rachaad White  • RB  •  Buccaneers

Rachaad White Has Flex Value For Week 16

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White remains in a timeshare in the backfield, but that hasn't stopped him from producing over the last few weeks. White struggled on the ground through most of the season, but has rushed for 64 yards or more in each of the last three games. It's also worth noting that White has hauled in two touchdowns through the air over that span. White has proven to be a viable red zone option for the Bucs and that should continue in Week 16. He'll get a plus-matchup against the Dallas Cowboys defense. Fellow back Bucky Irving (back, hip) has been cleared to play, but that shouldn't stop White from offering at least flex value this weekend.
14 hours ago   
Bucky Irving  • RB  •  Buccaneers

Bucky Irving Has High-End RB2 Value

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (hip, back) is ready to go for Week 16 after getting through a full practice session on Friday. Irving was limited during the first two practice sessions of the week, but has been removed from the injury report after getting in a full session to end the week. Irving has rushed for over 70 yards in four of his last five games. Irving has two 100-plus yard games in two of his last three outings. The only thing holding him back is the fact that he remains in a committee with Rachaad White in the backfield. Despite that, Irving should still be able to produce high-end RB2 value for the Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
14 hours ago   
Baker Mayfield  • QB  •  Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield Remains Elite Option For Week 16

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (knee) has been removed from the injury report after getting in back-to-back full practice sessions. That means, Mayfield will be good to go for his plus-matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16. Mayfield has been one of the best fantasy QBs all season long. The 29-year-old has thrown seven touchdowns over his last two games and should remain an elite option for this weekend. Fantasy managers shouldn't have to think twice about plugging in Mayfield as a QB1 for Week 16.
14 hours ago   
Cade Otton  • TE  •  Buccaneers

Cade Otton Now Doubtful To Play In Week 16

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are now saying that tight end Cade Otton (knee) is doubtful to play on Sunday night in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Todd Bowles said that Otton will likely be a game-time decision this week, but it doesn't sound like they're expecting to play him against Dallas. Otton missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday before returning to a limited showing on Friday, but he was sporting a large brace on his injured left knee. Fantasy managers should have already moved Otton to the bench this week. After a three-game stretch from Weeks 7-9 in which he had 25 catches for 258 yards and three touchdowns that coincided with receiver Mike Evans being out with an injury, Otton has come back down to Earth in the last five games, clearing 35 receiving yards just once and not scoring at all. Fantasy managers should look to avoid a committee at TE in Tampa involving Payne Durham, Ko Kieft and Devin Culp.
14 hours ago   
Cade Otton  • TE  •  Buccaneers

Cade Otton Considered A Game-Time Decision

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) is currently considered a game-time decision for Sunday's Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Otton missed the first two days of practice due to a knee issue that he appears to have suffered last week. He has been seen with a brace on his left knee, but the team hasn't commented on the severity of the issue. Otton has been quiet on the field lately with only one game with more than 35 receiving yards in his last five contests. His absence would likely result in Payne Durham getting the start at tight end. He wouldn't be a recommended streaming option even if Otton is forced to miss this game. UPDATE: Otton is officially considered questionable for Week 16.
17 hours ago   
Antoine Winfield Jr.  • S  •  Buccaneers

Antoine Winfield Jr. Ruled Out For Week 16

According to Greg Auman of FOX Sports, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have ruled out safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (knee) for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. The defensive back suffered this knee injury during their Week 14 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders and will now miss his second-straight contest. Before the injury, Winfield tallied 49 tackles (30 solo) during Weeks 7 through 13. During this span he tallied two sacks and two pass deflections. While sidelined, fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect Christian Izien, Tykee Smith, and Kaevon Merriweather to see most of the snaps at the safety position.
17 hours ago   
Baker Mayfield  • QB  •  Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield, Tristan Wirfs Seen At Practice Friday

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (knee) and left tackle Tristan Wirfs (foot, knee) were both spotted practicing on Friday, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Mayfield missed practice on Wednesday, but he returned on Thursday. It appears that he'll be good to go for Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys, barring a setback. The talented signal-caller ranks as the overall QB5 in fantasy football this season, and he's in the midst of a hot stretch that includes seven passing touchdowns over his last two games. He'll rank as a top-10 fantasy option this week against Dallas. Meanwhile, Wirfs is on the practice field for the first time this week after missing the last two days' sessions. It's too early to know his status for Week 16, but Wirfs has previously shown that he can play in a Sunday game after logging just one practice on Friday. Having him active would be key for the Buccaneers as they look to protect Mayfield's blindside.
20 hours ago   
Mike Evans  • WR  •  Buccaneers  |  Cade Otton  • TE  •  Buccaneers

Mike Evans, Cade Otton Spotted Practicing Friday

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (rest) and tight end Cade Otton (knee) were seen practicing on Friday, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Evans had been absent on Wednesday, but he returned to practice on Thursday and should be all set to play in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys. The 31-year-old caught nine passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns last week, and he needs 251 yards over his next three games to achieve his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season. Otton, meanwhile, had not practiced yet this week, so the fact that he was able to get on the field in some capacity Friday is a good sign. Fantasy managers will still want to check the Buccaneers' final injury report for confirmation on his status, but his presence Friday is a step in the right direction. Otton would rank as a fringe top-12 fantasy tight end if active against Dallas.
20 hours ago   
Sterling Shepard  • WR  •  Buccaneers

Sterling Shepard Returns To A Limited Practice

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) practiced in a limited fashion on Thursday after he was listed as a DNP on Wednesday. Meanwhile, receiver Trey Palmer (illness) sat out of practice on Thursday due to an illness. Shepard didn't practice for the first time last week until Friday but still played in the Week 15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and caught his only target for 16 yards. The 31-year-old hasn't been as intriguing as a flex play in fantasy with Mike Evans healthy, but Shepard could see more targets come his way this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night if tight end Cade Otton (knee) is unable to play. Even if Otton is out, Shepard will be an uninspiring WR4/5 in deeper leagues with a lot on the line in Week 16. Shepard has only scored one TD this year, and it came all the way back on Oct. 3. He also hasn't had more than five catches or 63 yards in a game in 2024.
Yesterday   
Cade Otton  • TE  •  Buccaneers

Cade Otton Picks Up Another DNP On Thursday

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) is trending in the wrong direction in Week 16 after missing his second straight practice of the week on Thursday. Otton has been wearing a brace on his knee this week after apparently injuring his knee in the Week 15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. If the 25-year-old can't return to practice on Friday, he'll be ruled out for Sunday night's contest against the Dallas Cowboys. In the event that happens, the Bucs are expected to roll with a committee approach at TE with Payne Durham, Ko Kieft and rookie seventh-rounder Devin Culp. Kieft is probably the best bet for sleeper production at the position against Dallas' defense, but fantasy managers should probably avoid the situation entirely. Otton was putting up high-end TE1 numbers when receiver Mike Evans missed a few games due to injury, but his production has fallen since Evans' return.
Yesterday   
Bucky Irving  • RB  •  Buccaneers

Bucky Irving Stays Limited On Thursday

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (back, hip) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Irving missed a few practices last week and was questionable to play, but he suited up in the Week 15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and played 44 percent of the offensive snaps. He saw 15 carries and went over 100 yards rushing for the second time in the last three games. The 22-year-old basically proved that as long as he's active, he needs to be in starting fantasy lineups. He should be active again this Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys, but fantasy managers will want to check back on his status on Friday. Irving is averaging 19 touches and 124.2 scrimmage yards per game while scoring three times in the last five games as Tampa's most productive fantasy back in 2024.
Yesterday   
Cade Otton  • TE  •  Buccaneers

Cade Otton Missing Another Practice

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) was seen wearing a knee brace and was not seen working on Thursday at the portion of practice open to the media. Otton is set to open Week 16 preparation with two DNPs, putting him firmly in danger of missing the game this Sunday night versus the Dallas Cowboys. Otton has one more day to get back on the practice field, but at this point, a questionable tag might be the best-case scenario. And if that's the case, he'll be one to avoid in fantasy lineups with the Bucs not playing until Sunday evening. The 25-year-old was quarterback Baker Mayfield's go-to target when receiver Mike Evans missed some time with a hamstring, but since Evans returned, Otton has seen his ceiling and floor drop drastically. He caught two of three targets in last week's win over the Chargers for 24 yards. Payne Durham and Ko Kieft could split TE duties if Otton is out this week.
Yesterday   
Baker Mayfield  • QB  •  Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield Back At Practice On Thursday

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (knee) was practicing on Thursday during the portion open to the media. Mayfield was held out of the first practice of the week on Wednesday while tending to a knee issue, but the fact that he's back out there on Thursday means that he should be good to go for Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. The 29-year-old is having a second straight strong season in Tampa in 2024 and is on pace for his second straight 4,000-yard season. He has already thrown a career-high 32 touchdown passes after going for four scores against a stout Los Angeles Chargers defense in the Week 15 win. Mayfield will be facing a Cowboys defense that has found their footing a bit of late after being decimated by injuries this year, but they've still allowed the third-most fantasy points to the position in the last five weeks. Mayfield is locked in as a top-10 fantasy QB.
Yesterday   
Sterling Shepard  • WR  •  Buccaneers

Sterling Shepard Doesn't Participate In Practice Wednesday

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) did not practice on Wednesday. As Week 16 prep begins, the Buccaneers are without their No. 3 receiver. Any sort of injury should raise concern for fantasy managers, especially with the fantasy playoffs in full swing. However, it's too early to hit the panic button. Shepard still has two more opportunities to log a limited or full practice when the Buccaneers take the field on Thursday and Friday. If his participation status improves and he manages to play in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys, Shepard would rank as a low-end WR4 for fantasy purposes.
2 days ago   
Cade Otton  • TE  •  Buccaneers

Cade Otton Absent From Practice Wednesday

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) did not participate in practice on Wednesday. As preparation for Week 16 begins, Otton was not involved. Although any sort of injury is concerning, especially in the fantasy football playoffs, managers should not panic yet. Otton still has two more days to log a limited or full practice, which would put him in a good position to play on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. If the 25-year-old suits up, he'd rank as a low-end TE1 in most fantasy leagues.
2 days ago   
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