FalconsBuccaneers fantasy start/sit: Week 7
Tampa Bay (1-5) visits the Panthers (3-2) on Sunday after a 26-19 overtime loss to Pittsburgh, with Carolina a 3-point favorite and a 44.5-point total. Baker Mayfield was a full participant Wednesday, while Emeka Egbuka and Bucky Irving did not practice. Irving and Chris Godwin Jr. are the starts, Egbuka and Jalon Daniels are sits, and Mayfield, Ted Hurst III and Cade Otton are flexes. Carolina ranks last in the NFL in yards allowed per carry (5.12). Injury information comes from the Wednesday report.
Buccaneers start/sit/flex
| Player | Pos | Verdict | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bucky Irving | RB | Start | Medium |
| Chris Godwin Jr. | WR | Start (WR3) | Medium |
| Emeka Egbuka | WR | Sit (concussion protocol) | Medium |
| Baker Mayfield | QB | Flex (only if cleared) | Low |
| Jalon Daniels | QB | Sit (superflex only) | Medium |
| Ted Hurst III | WR | Flex (if Egbuka is out) | Low |
| Cade Otton | TE | Flex (streaming) | Low |
| Kenny Gainwell | RB | Sit | High |
| Sean Tucker | RB | Sit | High |
| Chase McLaughlin | K | Start | Medium |
| Buccaneers D/ST | DST | Sit | Medium |
Carolina Panthers players to start against the Bucs
| Player | Pos | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Bryce Young | QB | Start |
| Tetairoa McMillan | WR | Start |
| Chuba Hubbard | RB | Start |
| Jalen Coker | WR | Flex |
Why, player by player
- Bucky Irving (Start): Played 63 of 74 snaps (85%) and ran 33 routes against Pittsburgh. Carolina ranks last in yards allowed per carry (5.12). Did not practice Wednesday with an illness, so confirm Friday.
- Chris Godwin Jr. (Start (WR3)): Played 68 snaps (92%) in Week 6 and is the healthiest target on the roster. Carolina has allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to receivers, so the floor is safer than the ceiling.
- Emeka Egbuka (Sit (concussion protocol)): Caught 7 of 16 targets for 48 yards and a touchdown in Week 6, but did not practice Wednesday with a concussion and a foot injury. He must clear the protocol before playing.
- Baker Mayfield (Flex (only if cleared)): Full participant Wednesday after missing three games with a dislocated right thumb. Carolina ranks 21st in points allowed, so he is a streamer-level option once active.
- Jalon Daniels (Sit (superflex only)): Went 22 of 43 for 164 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions against Pittsburgh, took five sacks and ran four times for 39 yards.
- Ted Hurst III (Flex (if Egbuka is out)): Played 37 snaps (50%) against Pittsburgh and out-snapped Tez Johnson 37 to 25. His role grows if Egbuka sits, but he is a WR4 at best.
- Cade Otton (Flex (streaming)): Played all 74 snaps and combined with Godwin for 10 catches in Week 6. Dependable usage, thin production.
- Kenny Gainwell (Sit): Played 11 snaps (15%) against Pittsburgh, with Irving taking the passing-down work. Becomes a desperation PPR flex only if Irving cannot play.
- Sean Tucker (Sit): Did not play an offensive snap in Week 6 and is on the report with a quad injury.
- Chase McLaughlin (Start): Made all four field goals (43, 47, 33 and 53 yards) against Pittsburgh. Listed with an illness but a full participant Wednesday.
- Buccaneers D/ST (Sit): Pittsburgh held the ball for 38:36 and PFF counted 11 missed tackles. Antoine Winfield Jr. was limited Wednesday with ribs. Young has taken 12 sacks in five games, which caps the downside.
- Bryce Young (Start): Leads the NFL with 309.8 passing yards per game and has 11 touchdowns against 2 interceptions, per buccaneers.com.
- Tetairoa McMillan (Start): Has 32 catches for 471 yards, tied for ninth in the NFL in receiving yards.
- Chuba Hubbard (Start): Has 511 yards from scrimmage and ran for 120 yards against Philadelphia. The Bucs' run defense ranks second in the NFL, which caps the ceiling. Rest day Wednesday.
- Jalen Coker (Flex): Returned from a quad injury and caught 6 passes for 97 yards against Philadelphia.
Start/sit questions
Is Baker Mayfield playing Week 7 against the Panthers?
Undecided. Mayfield was a full participant Wednesday for the first time since dislocating his right thumb in Week 3, and Todd Bowles said he is coming along fine. A decision is due later in the week.
Is Emeka Egbuka playing Week 7?
Not confirmed. Egbuka did not practice Wednesday with a concussion and a foot injury and must clear the league's concussion protocol, per NBC Sports.
Should I start Bucky Irving in Week 7 against the Panthers?
Yes, if he is active. Irving played 63 of 74 snaps against Pittsburgh and Carolina ranks last in yards allowed per carry at 5.12. He did not practice Wednesday with an illness, so confirm the Friday report.
Should I start Chris Godwin Jr. in Week 7?
Yes, as a WR3. Godwin played 68 snaps (92%) against Pittsburgh and is the healthiest target on the roster with Egbuka in the protocol.
Should I start Jalon Daniels in Week 7?
Only in superflex or two-QB leagues. Daniels went 22 of 43 for 164 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions against Pittsburgh and was sacked five times.
Full matchup: Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers. See the depth chart and the injury report for the latest before you lock your lineup.