The Buccaneers have a golden opportunity to bounce back after getting thrashed by the Lions last week. With Bucky Irving still out and Mike Evans officially done for the season, Tampa Bay will lean on its other offensive playmakers to pick up the slack. Meanwhile, the Saints are coming off an encouraging win and will look to keep pace in the NFC South race. Expect a competitive, high-energy divisional matchup with plenty of fantasy implications.
🔥 Start ’Em / Sit ’Em Quick Table
| Player | Team | Fantasy Status | Outlook |
| Baker Mayfield | Buccaneers | ✅ Start | Prime bounce-back spot vs division rival |
| Rachaad White | Buccaneers | ✅ Start | Clear RB1 with Bucky Irving out again |
| Emeka Egbuka | Buccaneers | ✅ Start | Should rebound after quiet week |
| Tez Johnson | Buccaneers | 💪 Flex Start | Explosive playmaker trending up |
| Cade Otton | Buccaneers | 💪 Sleeper | Reliable target, one score from fantasy relevance |
| Chris Olave | Saints | ✅ Start | Two scores last week, locked-in WR1/2 |
| Rashid Shaheed | Saints | 💪 Flex Start | Big-play threat getting steady volume |
| Spencer Rattler | Saints | 💪 Sleeper | Deep-league flyer after 2-TD performance |
| Alvin Kamara | Saints | ❌ Sit | Usage fading, production inconsistent |
🔥 Start ’Em
Baker Mayfield (QB, Buccaneers)
Mayfield will be eager to rebound from last week’s loss, and this divisional matchup gives him the perfect chance. With Emeka Egbuka cleared to play, Mayfield gets his top target back and should attack early through the air. Expect a sharper performance with multiple passing touchdowns and 250+ yards.
Rachaad White (RB, Buccaneers)
With Bucky Irving sidelined again, White reclaims full control of the backfield. He’s one of the most reliable dual-threat options in fantasy right now and should deliver steady RB1 production. Pencil him in for a touchdown and 80–100 total yards.
Predicting Week 8’s top 25 most likely anytime touchdown scorers – Mike Clay via ESPN
Emeka Egbuka (WR, Buccaneers)
Egbuka was bottled up last week by Detroit’s double teams, but the Saints won’t likely deploy the same approach. He remains Mayfield’s top target and will be heavily involved from the opening drive. Expect a bounce-back line of 6–8 catches and a possible score.
💪 Tez Johnson (WR, Buccaneers)
Johnson has been one of the brightest surprises in Tampa Bay’s offense. His speed and versatility make him dangerous both vertically and on intermediate routes. He’s earned a flex start in most formats, especially with defenses focusing on Egbuka.
💪 Sleeper: Cade Otton (TE, Buccaneers)
Otton has quietly put together a string of solid outings, with consistent target volume. He’s been just shy of breaking into fantasy relevance — one touchdown would easily put him in TE1 territory this week.
⚜️ Saints Starts & Sleepers
Chris Olave (WR, Saints)
Olave continues to be the engine of New Orleans’ passing game. Coming off a two-touchdown performance, he’s as reliable as they come. Expect heavy usage again, especially on play-action and in red-zone situations.
💪 Rashid Shaheed (WR, Saints)
Shaheed saw nine targets last week — a promising sign for his growing role. His speed always gives him boom potential, and if the Buccaneers’ secondary plays soft zones, Shaheed could capitalize with a few chunk gains. Flex him with confidence.
💪 Sleeper: Spencer Rattler (QB, Saints)
Rattler tossed two touchdowns last week and faces a Buccaneers defense that just allowed 24 points. He’ll need to get his running backs involved in the passing game, similar to how Detroit utilized Jahmyr Gibbs. He’s a risky but intriguing QB2 streamer in deeper leagues.
🚫 Sit ’Em
Alvin Kamara (RB, Saints)
Kamara’s production has fallen off sharply in recent weeks, and his role has become inconsistent. Until he starts seeing more touches or red-zone work, it’s best to keep him on the bench.
⚙️ Fantasy Outlook
The Buccaneers should come out firing after last week’s embarrassment. Expect Mayfield, Egbuka, and White to lead the way, with Tez Johnson offering big-play upside and Cade Otton lurking as a sleeper touchdown threat. For the Saints, Olave remains a steady must-start, while Shaheed and Rattler are intriguing flex and streamer options.
✅ Final Verdict:
• Start: Mayfield, White, Egbuka, Olave
• Flex/Sleepers: Tez Johnson, Shaheed, Otton, Rattler
• Sit: Kamara
Expect the Bucs’ offense to find its rhythm again — and for fantasy managers to reap the rewards.
