The NFC playoff race is tightening, and this Week 12 showdown could define momentum for the Buccaneers and Rams. If Tampa Bay pulls off the upset and moves to 7–4, everything changes. But Matthew Stafford and the battle-tested Rams have other plans. Expect scoring, fireworks, and plenty of fantasy production in a game that profiles as a high-volume passing matchup.
START ’EM
QB – Matthew Stafford, Rams
Stafford got it done last week against a dominant Seattle defense. He should exploit a Tampa secondary that’s prone to breakdowns in zone coverage.
Projection: 275+ yards, 2–3 TDs
RB – Kyren Williams, Rams
Tampa’s once-elite run front has been gashed repeatedly this year—and Kyren has the patience and burst to punish cutback lanes.
Projection: 90 total yards, TD upside
WR – Puka Nacua, Rams
The chain-mover in this offense. Stafford leans on him to sustain tempo and rhythm drives.
Projection: 6–7 receptions, 80+ yards, TD upside
Rams Puka Nacua Talks Buccaneers Defense – Brock Vierre – SI.com
FLEX – Davante Adams, Rams
He may not always produce monster yardage, but his red zone role demands lineup consideration.
Projection: 4–6 receptions, TD potential
QB – Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers
Mayfield has 4 TD passes in the last two games and has taken better care of the football. This isn’t an easy matchup, but volume will be there.
Projection: 200+ yards, 1–2 TD
insert photo of Sean tucker
RB – Sean Tucker, Buccaneers
Tucker saw 19 carries last week and was involved as a receiver. That’s workhorse-like usage.
Projection: 18+ touches, strong TD equity
Sean Tucker fantasy outlook for Week 12 – Billy Heyen – The Sporting News
WR – Emeka Egbuka, Buccaneers
The rookie has been asked to step up, and he has. Reliable snap share with growing trust.
Projection: 6 receptions, ~79 yards, TD threat
TE – Cade Otton, Buccaneers
Start-worthy TE in Week 12. The Rams struggled vs. TEs last week; Otton should benefit similarly.
Projection: 5–7 targets, solid floor
FLEX – Tez Johnson, Buccaneers
Quiet last week. Bounce-back candidate in a projected high-scoring game.
Projection: Flex-worthy volume
SIT ’EM
RB – Rachaad White, Buccaneers
The hot hand belongs to Tucker right now, and Tampa tends to ride momentum.
White’s touches are trending down.
Buccaneers D/ST
Nope.
Not against Stafford, Nacua, and Adams.
You don’t need that stress.
FINAL TAKEAWAY
This is a statement game for both teams and for fantasy playoff hopefuls. The Rams’ offensive rhythm should give them an edge, but Tampa’s young playmakers are rising fast. Expect passing volume to define this matchup and fantasy fireworks on both sidelines. In short: start your offensive skill guys with confidence, and avoid both defenses at all costs.
