Buccaneers Fantasy Football Week 12: Start ’em, sit ’em

With fantasy football playoffs right around the corner, find out which Tampa Bay Buccaneers players should be in your lineup? Which should be on the bench?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-7) face off against the San Francisco 49ers (2-8) for their Week 12 matchup. This game may have no playoff implications, but in the world of fantasy, it could make or break a season.

With popular fantasy options like Mike Evans and Jameis Winston suiting up for the Bucs, fans will be watching this game closely.

If you have any Tampa Bay players no your fantasy team, find which ones you should start, and which ones you should sit, below.

Start ’em

WR Mike Evans

Evans broke out with a six catch, 120-yard performance against the Giants,  after a pair of subpar performances in Week 9 and 10.

As a fantasy option, Evans is one of the riskiest plays. He can provide big-time performances, but the next week have a single-digit clunker. But with Jameis Winston returning to the starting role on Sunday, the Bucs should often be throwing.

Despite his up-and-down scoring season, Evans ranks with the ninth most points among wide receivers in PPR format. Start him.

QB Jameis Winston

During his first stint as starting quarterback, Jameis Winston had turnover issues, and it limited his fantasy value. In his return to the starting role, Winston will likely play at his best level. He needs to prove that he is the future of the Buccaneers franchise and that is great news for fantasy owners.

Matched up against one of the worst defenses in the league, Winston should be able to put up impressive numbers this week. Winston is only owned in 53.7 percent of league’s on ESPN, make it a priority to have him on your roster, at the very least.

RB Peyton Barber

It was Peyton Barber‘s best rushing performance of the season last week. He toted the ball 18 times for 106 yards and a touchdown.

With Barber’s large workload, he is a trustworthy RB2. He may not find the end zone often, but Barber has an extremely high floor. Tampa Bay’s defense may be putrid, but they will be able to keep the Niners at bay.

If the game is within two touchdowns, the Bucs will use Barber like they did last week. With Winston prone to turn the ball over, offensive coordinator Todd Monken will look to have the Bucs control the ball.

Look for Barber to provide solid production as your second running back or FLEX this week.

TE Cameron Brate

Now that O.J. Howard is out of the picture; it’s safe to bump Cameron Brate into a starting-caliber tight end. He hasn’t put up a double-digit performance since Week 4; he still is worthy of a spot on your roster.

Howard was one of the top-ten scoring tight ends when healthy. While Brate may not be able to replicate his long catch-and-runs, but he does have a fantastic rapport with Winston.

WR Adam Humphries

Out of nowhere, Humphries has propelled himself into the target share during the second half of the season. He has found the end zone three times in the last three weeks and should be a reliable FLEX option.

Similar to Barber, his ceiling isn’t high, but he will catch plenty of balls. He has only one single-digit performance since Wek 8. Continue to ride the hot hand with Humphries.

Sit ’em

WR DeSean Jackson

It’s probably time to sell all DeSean Jackson stock. The veteran wideout has cooled off since his explosive start to the 2018 campaign.

While he still has value as a FLEX, his unfortunate history with Winston makes it easy to look at another option on your roster. If Winston cannot connect with Jackson on deep balls, his value in the Buccaneers offense dwindles.

Buccaneers defense

The Buccaneers defense allowed the anemic New York Giants offense to score 32 points last week. Although Nick Mullens doesn’t create much excitement, the Bucs defense has made every team look fantastic at this point.

Avoid them at all costs.