Week 5 Matchup – vs. Mayfield: The 2018 Draft Rivalry Continues
It’s Sam Darnold vs. Baker Mayfield: Round 3, and both quarterbacks come in with something to prove, and one win each in their career series. Their rivalry dates back to the 2018 NFL Draft, and both have faced adversity, injuries, and team changes along the way. Now, they meet again as leaders of playoff-hopeful squads.
The Buccaneers are trying to find consistency after some high-scoring battles, while the Seahawks look to keep their offensive momentum rolling behind Darnold and a deep receiver corps. Expect fireworks through the air and plenty of fantasy points in this matchup of redemption and resilience.
🔥 Start ‘Em
🔥 Baker Mayfield (QB, Buccaneers)
Baker remains a steady fantasy option regardless of the scoreboard. If the Bucs trail, he goes full Super Saiyan mode, piling up yards and garbage-time touchdowns. His fearless style and chemistry with his weapons keep him firmly in QB1 consideration this week.
🧾 Projected Stats: 294 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 15 rushing yards
🔥 Emeka Egbuka (WR, Buccaneers)
Egbuka is making a strong case for Rookie of the Year honors. He’s quickly become Mayfield’s favorite red-zone option and is seeing steady target volume. Against a Seattle defense that’s struggled to contain quick-breaking routes, Egbuka could be in for a monster day.
🧾 Projected Stats: 7 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD
💪 Rachaad White (RB, Buccaneers)
White is set up for a huge workload both on the ground and in the passing game. Last week, Mayfield targeted running backs heavily, leading to a 100-yard receiving day for Irving. Expect White to take on that role and deliver RB1 numbers in all formats.
🧾 Projected Stats: 104 total yards, 1 TD, 4 receptions
💪 Chris Godwin (WR, Buccaneers)
Godwin returned last week and immediately commanded 10 targets. Expect his production to rise as Mayfield continues to look his way on third downs and intermediate routes. He’s a strong WR2 with WR1 upside in PPR leagues.
🧾 Projected Stats: 6 catches, 74 yards
🔥 Sam Darnold (QB, Seahawks)
Darnold has been a pleasant surprise this season, tossing 5 TDs and over 900 yards through four games. He’s spreading the ball around efficiently and attacking downfield. Against a struggling Buccaneers defense, expect Darnold to keep his foot on the gas.
🧾 Projected Stats: 305 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
💪 Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Seahawks)
JSN is finally living up to his first-round hype and is on a tear this season. His chemistry with Darnold has been excellent, and he continues to carve out a reliable role in the offense. Expect plenty of volume and another strong fantasy outing.
🧾 Projected Stats: 7 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD
💪 Start Flex Options
Why the Buccaneers must watch these 3 Seahawks players – Collin Haalboom via SI.com
Kenneth Walker III / Zach Charbonnet (RBs, Seahawks)
Both backs remain playable, but game flow and discipline will decide who gets the upper hand. Charbonnet vultured a TD last week when Walker was briefly benched for a penalty, but Walker remains the primary goal-line option. Either can be used as a flex, though Walker carries higher TD upside.
🧾 Projected Stats:
• Kenneth Walker: 78 yards, 1 TD
• Zach Charbonnet: 62 yards, 4 receptions
🌙 Sleepers
🌙 AJ Barner (TE, Buccaneers)
Barner found the end zone last week and continues to emerge as a red-zone weapon for Mayfield. His snap count is trending up, making him a sneaky tight end streamer for those in need.
🧾 Projected Stats: 3 catches, 28 yards, 1 TD
🌙 Tory Horton (WR, Seahawks)
Horton had a quiet game last week, but remains a sneaky big-play threat. With two touchdowns already on the year, he’s worth a deep-league flex start in what should be a high-scoring contest.
🧾 Projected Stats: 4 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD
❄️ Sit ‘Em
❄️ Buccaneers Defense/Special Teams
This defense has struggled mightily, giving up big plays and chunk yards in multiple games. Seattle’s offense is too balanced and explosive to risk streaming Tampa Bay’s D/ST this week. Look elsewhere for your defensive start.
🧾 Projected Stats: 29 points allowed, 1 sack, 0 turnovers
📊 Start Meter
| Player | Confidence | Matchup Rating |
| Baker Mayfield | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 | 9/10 |
| Rachaad White | 💪💪💪 | 8.5/10 |
| Emeka Egbuka | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 | 9/10 |
| Chris Godwin | 💪💪💪 | 8/10 |
| Sam Darnold | 🔥🔥🔥 | 8.5/10 |
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 💪💪💪 | 8/10 |
| Kenneth Walker | 💪💪 | 7.5/10 |
| Zach Charbonnet | 💪 | 7/10 |
| AJ Barner | 🌙 | 6/10 |
| Tory Horton | 🌙 | 6/10 |
| Buccaneers Defense | ❄️❄️ | 3/10 |
🏁 Wrap-Up
This matchup feels like a fantasy goldmine in the making. Both quarterbacks — Darnold and Mayfield — have the tools and motivation to light up the scoreboard. Expect big passing numbers, plenty of fantasy fireworks, and maybe a few nostalgia-fueled moments from two former top draft picks still proving their worth.
Start your playmakers in this one: it’s going to be a stat-padding showdown from start to finish.
