The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the 2025 campaign with high hopes, but a cascade of injuries and inconsistent play quickly turned the year into a rough stretch for the franchise.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who had been a steady presence in previous seasons, saw his production dip as the offensive line faltered and the supporting cast failed to click, leaving him scrambling for rhythm.
Despite the setbacks, Mayfield still managed to log 282.9 fantasy points, averaging 18.5 points per game before a Week 12 injury halted his momentum, and he posted five top‑10 weekly finishes that hinted at his upside.
A Track Record of Consistency
Over the preceding three seasons, Mayfield had finished among the top‑12 quarterbacks each year, accumulating a reliable body of work that still draws attention from fantasy analysts.
Those historical results have not gone unnoticed; they form the backbone of a narrative that positions Mayfield as a potential bargain in the upcoming 2026 draft.
Fantasy Value in 2026
Analyst Alex Kay recently highlighted that Mayfield is being drafted as the 19th quarterback in 2026 fantasy leagues, a slot that places his average draft position at 119 overall, well below the performance level he has historically delivered.
If the quarterback can stay healthy and recapture the form that earned him top‑12 finishes in prior years, Kay argues, he could easily outperform that draft position and provide a high‑return investment for savvy owners.
The combination of a discounted ADP, a proven track record, and a clear path to a healthier season makes Mayfield an attractive target for those looking to maximize value in the next fantasy cycle.