The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the 2025 campaign with a buzz, riding a 6‑2 start that saw quarterback Baker Mayfield bathed in MVP chants and rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka emerging as a fantasy standout.
A Season of High Hopes and Missed Opportunities
But the momentum stalled as the schedule turned tougher; the team slipped to a 2‑7 finish, finishing the year 8‑9 overall and averaging just 22.4 points per game, which placed them 18th in the league.
Head coach Todd Bowles remained at the helm while new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson took over play‑calling duties, a partnership that produced a C+ grade for the offensive line and a revamped scheme aimed at revitalizing the attack.
Analysts Ian Hartitz and Dwain McFarland recently released a 2026 fantasy cheat sheet that highlights the Buccaneers’ upside, underscoring Mayfield’s value and Egbuka’s rising target share.
The roster saw key departures of Mike Evans and Rachaad White, while the front office added depth with running back Kenneth Gainwell and tight end Ted Hurst, moves that both address needs and reshape target distribution.
Veteran Sean Tucker is also expected to contribute in the backfield, and the receiving corps now includes Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Cade Otton, Josh Grizzard and emerging prospect Tetairoa McMillan.
Among the returning pieces, Godwin, McMillan and Otton are expected to shoulder larger roles, but the biggest story is the reduced competition for Egbuka after Evans' exit, a factor that analysts say could push him into a low‑end WR2 tier with upside.
Fantasy projections reflect that optimism; Mayfield is slated to throw 2.4 touchdowns per game in 2026, ranking 16th among quarterbacks, while Egbuka is projected as WR24, Godwin at WR41 and Otton at TE27. Matthew Freedman’s ADP model values Mayfield as a solid bargain, given his 17.9 points per game average since 2023.
Injury concerns linger for Bucky Irving, whose recovery will be a training‑camp storyline, but the overall outlook for the Buccaneers’ offense remains a focal point for both analysts and fantasy owners.