The Bucs offense is loaded in every way, at every position. It allows them to bail out their defense more often than not, and it covers up the issues they have on that side of the ball. Of course, with a high-powered offense like the Bucs, they come with some notable fantasy football assets.

In a new series we are doing for the 2025 season here on Bucs Wire, we will be rolling through all the notable skill players in the Bucs offense and advise you on who to start and sit.

Advertisement

The offense is going to have a new direction this season under coordinator Josh Grizzard, and we saw that in Week 1 against the Falcons. The pieces are all there for the success to be found in Week 2 against the Houston Texan,s but there are some pieces that will make it tough on Tampa Bay. With that, here is what we are leaning towards suggesting you do with your fantasy lineup.

Quarterback: Baker Mayfield

Decision: Start

Baker Mayfield battled through some tough moments and near turnovers early in the team’s Week 1 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. He ended with three touchdowns but just 167 yards through the air, though he did add 37 yards on the ground. That brings us to Week 2 against the Houston Texans, Mayfield faces an uphill battle but he should be able to game through it all once again. He is likely to turn the ball over at least once, but he is also most likely to throw two to three touchdowns in the process once again.

Advertisement

Running Back: Bucky Irving

Decision: Start

Bucky Irving is due for a bounce back after being contained in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. The Texans’ defensive front remains formidable, but their linebacking group could be easier to navigate. As a result, we are looking for Irving to have a big game and to even get some work in the passing game in Week 2, making him a must-start.

Running Back: Rachaad White

Decision: Sit

Rachaad White faced some tough sledding in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. Josh Grizzard’s role has yet to be defined by the team in his offense, so for now, we recommend using Irving out of the Bucs’ backfield.

Advertisement

Wide Receiver: Mike Evans

Decision: Start

Mike Evans faces a tough matchup against one of the top defenders in the NFL, Derek Stingley Jr. We have to have faith in the veteran to be able to pull some tricks against the younger but talented cornerback. He could disappoint, but even when he was seemingly used as a decoy in Week 1, he had five receptions for 51 yards; had he scored a touchdown, that’s a worthwhile statline for your lineup.

Wide Receiver: Emeka Egbuka

Decision: Start

Coming off one of the more impressive debuts in recent memory with the team, rookie Emeka Egbuka is looking to build off a strong Week 1. After finding the endzone twice and being the team’s leading receiver, expectations are high for the former Ohio State Buckeye. With Evans being the main attention once again for the Texans’ star defender Derek Stingley, look for Egbuka to clean up the extra targets and to capitalize with another big week.

Advertisement

Tight End: Cade Otton

Decision: Sit

Cade Otton did not get off on a strong foot in Week 1, and we have low expectations for Week 2. With Evans and Egbuka both ahead of him, as well as Irving, we don’t see many comng his way against the Texans.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Fantasy Start/Sit: Bucs against the Texans in Week 2