Buccaneers 2017 fantasy forecast: QB, Jameis Winston

Key Games

When looking at this fantasy football player, there are certain Bucs games which Winston will need to dominate, and some his owners will hope he can rise up for.

Sure Things:

Week 9 and Week 17 – New Orleans Saints

This NFC South rival gave up the most passing yards of any team last season.

If Winston is going to become a legitimate QB1, these two contests will have to be games where his points see an uptick.

Adding to the potential against this squad is the fact they picked off just nine passes all of last year.

The Bucs split the season series in 2016. In those two games, Winston threw two touchdowns and two interceptions.

As a third-year quarterback, we’re all hoping to see him gain in his mental ability enough to take advantage of a secondary which hasn’t seen much improvement outside of rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore.

Week 14 vs Detroit Lions

This defense didn’t quite give up 4,000 passing yards, but they did surrender 33 touchdowns through the air.

If the Bucs can take advantage of this friendly unit, then Winston’s Week 14 numbers will be solid. Just in time too, as this is normally the first week of the fantasy football playoffs.

The “Motor City” defense didn’t make any significant improvements outside of drafting Jalon Tabor out of Florida.

More from The Pewter Plank

• Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
• ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
• Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
• Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
• The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023

He’s a talented player, but with the Bucs offense, three touchdown passes is more than reasonable.

Uphill Battles:

Week 7 @ Buffalo Bills

When the Buccaneers travel to upstate New York, things could get a bit messy.

For one, the Bills drafted Tre’Davious White in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft.

However, they also added safety Micah Hyde formerly of the Green Bay Packers.

Now, if this wasn’t enough, there’s the dreaded lake effect snow.

This isn’t something we can predict right now. However, the weather is a real threat in this match-up. If Mother Nature throws her chips in on this one, then Winston’s day could get very difficult very quickly.

Week 4 vs New York Giants

This game will be billed as the Bucs wide receivers versus the Giants group.

Don’t get me wrong, it should be too. However, this contest may not go the way Winston’s fantasy football owners want.

In 2016, the Giants surrendered just 15 passing touchdowns, bringing them in second-best behind the Denver Broncos.

Not only does New York have a talented secondary, they’re young and beyond athletic as well.

This is going to be a tough contest. Expect Janoris Jenkins, Landon Collins, and Eli Apple to have their say in it.

Analysis:

Ok, so there’s no such thing as a sure thing.

Upside is a big deal, and the Bucs have some good-looking matchups from a fantasy football quarterback standpoint.

The Giants game probably worries me the most, so if you’re a fan of streaming quarterbacks, there are sure to be some options available if you plan ahead.

A lot of excitement surrounds Winston and his ability to elevate his game based off of his newly refurbished weapons shed. These contests will help determine if 2017 is the year he makes the leap, or the year he takes a plunge.