The first quarter of the season is about finding answers. The second quarter is where fantasy managers either confirm their beliefs or realize they drafted the wrong players.
Tampa Bay’s second quarter schedule is fascinating because it gives us almost every type of fantasy test:
- Dallas tests whether Tampa’s young weapons can produce every week.
- Pittsburgh tests whether they can survive against elite physical defenses.
- Carolina creates a potential fantasy explosion.
- Atlanta could become a divisional shootout.
- Chicago tests whether Tampa’s stars can produce against an improving defense.
Fantasy football is about identifying breakouts before they become obvious. So here are my bold predictions for the second quarter of the Buccaneers season.
Don’t miss the rest of Jay’s series on the 2026 Tampa Bay Buccaneers!
Weeks 5-9: Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears
Bold Prediction No. 1
Emeka Egbuka Finishes the Second Quarter as a Top 5 Fantasy Wide Receiver
This is the biggest prediction. Not just: “Emeka Egbuka becomes a WR1.” That is expected if he truly replaces the Mike Evans target share.
My prediction: From Weeks 5-9, Egbuka is one of the five highest-scoring fantasy receivers in football.
Why This Happens
The opportunity is too large. Mike Evans was not just a great receiver. He was a target magnet. Now that role is available. Egbuka has the skill set Tampa needs:
- elite route running
- separation ability
- reliable hands
- yards after catch ability
The second-quarter schedule creates the perfect storm.
- Dallas – National spotlight. A chance to announce himself.
- Carolina – Potential breakout matchup.
- Atlanta – A divisional game where Tampa may need points.
- Chicago – A game where volume can overcome defensive attention.
Bold Projection: Weeks 5-9
- 42 receptions
- 620 yards
- 6 touchdowns
Fantasy Result: WR5 overall during the stretch.
Bold Prediction No. 2
Bucky Irving Becomes a Consensus Top 3 Fantasy Running Back
Fantasy managers are still going to debate Bucky. Some will say “Too much competition.” Some will say “Can he handle a full workload?”
My prediction: By the end of this stretch, that debate is over. The fantasy community often evaluates running backs incorrectly. They look at rushing attempts and rushing yards. But modern fantasy RBs are built around total touches.
Bucky’s advantage: He can win in every situation. Early downs.Goal line. Third downs. Receiving. That is the difference.
The matchups also help.
Dallas: Could force Tampa into passing situations.
Good for Bucky.
Pittsburgh: Rushing may be difficult.
Receiving saves him.
Carolina: Potential smash rushing matchup.
Atlanta: Passing-game usage creates ceiling.
Chicago: Quick passes against athletic defenses.
Bold Projection: Through Weeks 5-9
- 90+ carries
- 425 rushing yards
- 20 receptions
- 225 receiving yards
- 4 touchdowns
Fantasy Result: RB1 overall stretch potential.
Bold Prediction No. 3
Baker Mayfield is a Weekly Fantasy QB1 and Finishes as a top-8 quarterback through Week 9.
This one may be considered the least surprising, but fantasy managers are still sleeping on Baker.
Fantasy quarterbacks need three things:
- Passing volume
- Weapons
- Touchdown opportunity
Baker has all three. Tampa is no longer a team that can simply lean on Mike Evans winning one on one. They have to spread the football. That creates fantasy points.
The biggest factor: Tampa’s schedule creates passing situations. Dallas can score. Atlanta can score. Chicago can compete. Even Pittsburgh may force Baker to throw.
Bold Projection: Through Weeks 5-9
- 1,450 passing yards
- 12 touchdowns
- 3 interceptions
Fantasy Result: QB6-8 during this stretch.
Bold Prediction #4
Chris Godwin Quietly Becomes the Best Value Pick on the Buccaneers
Everyone will focus on:
- Baker
- Bucky
- Egbuka
Everyone will forget about Godwin. That is exactly why he becomes valuable. Godwin does not need to dominate. He needs targets.
His role:
- third downs
- intermediate routes
- chain moving
- red-zone opportunities
Young receivers create highlights. Veterans create fantasy points. The second quarter schedule actually benefits him. When defenses focus on Egbuka, Godwin gets easier coverage.
Bold Projection: Through Weeks 5-9
- 35 receptions
- 400 yards
- 3 touchdowns
Fantasy Result: A consistent WR2 during the stretch.
Bold Prediction #5
Cade Otton Has a Two-Touchdown Quarter and Becomes a Waiver Wire Winner.
This is the deep sleeper prediction. Fantasy managers will look at Tampa’s offense and say: “There are too many mouths.” That is true. But that also creates opportunity.
Why Otton Can Surprise
Defenses cannot cover everyone. If opponents focus on Egbuka, Godwin, and Bucky, Otton can find open areas. His biggest fantasy value is absolutely Touchdowns. His best matchups:
- Atlanta – Red-zone opportunity.
- Carolina – Potential positive game script.
- Chicago – Coverage attention goes elsewhere.
Bold Projection: Through Weeks 5-9
- 18 receptions
- 225 yards
- 2 touchdowns
Fantasy Result: A useful streaming tight end.
Bold Prediction #6
Tampa Bay Produces Three Top 12 Fantasy Players Through Week 9.
This is the ultimate prediction. Most teams are lucky to have one fantasy superstar. Tampa could have three.
My Rankings
- RB: Bucky Irving Top 5 potential.
- WR: Emeka Egbuka Top 10 potential.
- QB: Baker Mayfield Top 12 potential.
This is why Tampa is such an interesting fantasy offense. They are not replacing one star. They are creating multiple fantasy assets.
Bold Prediction #7
Fantasy Managers Will Be Trying to Trade for Buccaneers Players After Week 9.
The biggest fantasy mistake is always waiting for proof. By Week 9, the proof will be there. The price will be higher.
Final Thought
The first quarter tells fantasy managers who Tampa Bay is. The second quarter tells fantasy managers how valuable they are.
My bold prediction: By the end of Week 9, fantasy managers will stop asking:
“Who replaces Mike Evans?”
Because the answer will be: The Buccaneers did not replace Mike Evans.
They created a new fantasy ecosystem. And the managers who drafted these players early will be the ones benefiting before the rest of the fantasy football world catches up.
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Before you go, check out where Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, and the rest of the Buccaneers fall in our 2026 Fantasy Rankings!