This is one of the more exciting matchups of the year, and fantasy managers have plenty of tough lineup decisions to make for Tampa Bay. Baker Mayfield has been playing lights out, averaging two touchdowns per game, and will lead the Bucs to victories.
However, he’ll be without star wideout Mike Evans this week, which is a massive blow to Tampa’s passing game. Luckily, rookie Emeka Egbuka has stepped up as a potential Rookie of the Year candidate, and Chris Godwin’s return will provide a much-needed spark.
On the other side, the Eagles boast a secondary that has held both Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes under 200 passing yards, so this won’t come easy. Let’s break down who to roll with and who to leave on the bench.
🔥 Starts: Mayfield and Godwin set to play, ease injury concerns for Bucs
- Bucky Irving (RB, Buccaneers) 🔥
- Irving has been a steady presence for the Bucs and will be crucial in this matchup. With Evans sidelined, the run game becomes even more important. Irving is versatile, already showing his ability in the passing game with one receiving touchdown on the year. Expect Tampa Bay to lean heavily on him to keep the chains moving.
- Projection: 13 carries, 58 yards, 4 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD
- Emeka Egbuka (WR, Buccaneers) 🔥
- The rookie Buckeye is quickly emerging as a top option in this offense. Already exceeding expectations, Egbuka has proven to be a reliable red-zone target for Mayfield. Facing a tough Eagles secondary won’t be easy, but volume and opportunity will keep him fantasy relevant.
- Projection: 6 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD
- Rachaad White (RB, Buccaneers) 🔥
- White and Irving form a balanced duo, and both can produce in different ways. White, in particular, has flex appeal given his involvement on outside runs and potential goal-line work. Against an Eagles defense that sometimes struggles on the edges, White could sneak into the end zone.
- Projection: 11 carries, 47 yards, 3 catches, 28 yards, 1 TD
- A.J. Brown (WR, Eagles) 🔥
- The Bucs have struggled all season against opposing WR1s, and Brown is in line to take advantage. Wilson (10-84-1), Collins (52 yards and a score), and London (8 receptions on 15 targets) have all had their moments against this defense. Expect Brown to be heavily involved.
- Projection: 7 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD
- Jalen Hurts (QB, Eagles) 🔥
- Hurts is always a must-start, and this week is no different. Tampa Bay’s defense has been vulnerable to mobile QBs, and Hurts’ rushing ability should shine here. Expect multiple touchdowns both on the ground and through the air.
- Projection: 205 passing yards, 1 passing TD, 68 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs
- DeVonta Smith (WR, Eagles) 🔥
- Smith remains a steady flex option in this offense, even if the production is inconsistent. In a game where Tampa Bay’s defense will key on A.J. Brown, Smith should find room to make plays.
- Projection: 5 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD
❄️ Sits
- Dallas Goedert (TE, Eagles) ❄️
- Goedert has been banged up and inconsistent, failing to build on his best game of the year (7-44 vs. Dallas). Against a Bucs defense that has been stingy against tight ends, he’s a risky play this week.
- Projection: 3 catches, 31 yards
- Buccaneers Defense ❄️
- Facing Hurts, Barkley, and the Eagles’ high-powered offense is never a good matchup. Add in Tampa’s offensive injuries that could leave them losing the field position battle, and this defense is best left on your bench.
- Projection: 28 points allowed, 1 sack, 0 turnovers
🌙 Sleeper
- Sterling Shepard (WR, Buccaneers) 🌙
- With Mike Evans sidelined, Shepard’s role becomes far more important. He’s already flashed with an 80-yard performance this season and could be Mayfield’s safety blanket. If Godwin doesn’t return at full strength, Shepard is a sneaky flex play.
- Projection: 5 catches, 63 yards
Wrap Up
This Buccaneers vs. Eagles clash should be one of the most entertaining matchups of the season. Tampa Bay will need Irving and White to control the ground game while relying on rookies and depth pieces in the passing attack. Meanwhile, Philadelphia will lean on Hurts and A.J. Brown to expose a shaky Bucs secondary. Start your studs with confidence, bench your risky options, and don’t overlook Sterling Shepard as a sneaky plug-in.
