The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are taking on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 in a potentially high-scoring matchup that offers plenty of fantasy football intrigue as two explosive offenses go head-to-head.
Which Buccaneers are worth a spot in your starting lineup, and which are better served on the bench in the season opener?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers to start/sit in fantasy football for Week 1
Start: Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield faces a favorable matchup in Week 1 against a Bengals defense that was one of the NFL’s worst a season ago, ranking 30th in points per game allowed and 26th against the pass.
If the Bucs are going to keep pace with Cincinnati's explosive offense, they’ll need a big day from their franchise quarterback, who happens to be 3-0 against Joe Burrow in his career.
Mayfield should be considered a must-start in an offensive game against a questionable Bengals defense.
Start: Bucky Irving
The Bengals ranked dead-last against the run last season, which bodes well for the Bucs rushing attack. Cincinnati did add Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen to the defensive front, so this isn’t the soft rushing defense from a season ago.
But there will still be opportunities for Tampa Bay to get an outside run game going against the Bengals.
Additionally, Cincinnati’s inside linebackers were among the league's worst a season ago, which could create opportunities for Irving, as well as Kenny Gainwell, to contribute in the passing game.
As the Bucs look to establish a ground game and play keep away from the Bengals’ offense, Irving is worth a spot in your starting lineup.
Sit: Buccaneers D/ST
If for some reason you were considering starting the Bucs defense in fantasy, don’t.
Tampa Bay should be much better on defense and special teams this year after an offseason focused on rebuilding those units. There will come a time this season when the Buccaneers are worth a start in fantasy, but not against the Bengals.
Cincinnati boasts one of the NFL’s best offenses, and a defense that’s starting three rookies will be tasked with slowing down Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. The Bengals could have a field day in the season opener, which is why the Buccaneers defense should stay far away from your lineup.
Start: Emeka Egbuka
Emeka Egbuka was one of the biggest breakouts in fantasy football for the first half of last season, before his production declined significantly in the latter half of the year.
But offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has a plan to get the most out of Egbuka, which is keeping him in the Z receiver spot, where he thrives.
Unlike last year where he shifted all around the offense, Egbuka enters the new season with a consistent role that fits him like a glove, and he’ll see an increased target share with Mike Evans out of the picture and Jalen McMillan doubtful with a knee injury.
Egbuka will be a major piece of the offense on Sunday, and he’s worthy of a spot in your starting lineup.
Start: Chris Godwin Jr.
Like Egbuka, Chris Godwin is in for a big target share on Sunday with Jalen McMillan likely on the sideline.
Godwin will serve as the primary slot receiver, and he could see a lot of targets as one of the team’s top two receiving options.
As the longest-tenured Buccaneer, this is Godwin’s receiver room now, and he should capitalize with a big day on Sunday.
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