Baker Mayfield is coming off his best Fantasy campaign since he entered the league back in 2018. Last season, Mayfield finished as the overall QB4, averaging a career-best 21.5 fantasy points per game. Fantasy championships are won in the off-season just as much as they are during the season. If you have not started your fantasy draft prep, you are behind.
When you think of the elite fantasy quarterbacks, Mayfield does not get mentioned. However, he belonged in that discussion last season. The issue with taking Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and Josh Allen is that it will cost you a second or third-round draft pick. If you are the fantasy manager who likes to wait on quarterbacks when drafting, Mayfield should be a target of yours.
Fantasy Managers Should be Doubling Down on Baker Mayfield
A Plethora of Offensive Weapons Remain on The Buccaneers Roster
The offensive weaponry remained intact for Tampa Bay. Mike Evans comes off a WR14 finish. Chris Godwin returns from the ankle injury. Before that, he was on pace for career highs in receiving yards and touchdowns. In addition, he averaged a career 19.7 fantasy points per game. To put that in perspective, Godwin’s per-game average was second only to last year’s overall WR1, Jamar Chase. A tight end, Cade Otton, broke out last season and finished as the TE12 in PPR PPG.
On top of all that firepower in the passing game, the Buccaneers drafted Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka with the 19th overall pick in this year’s draft. Egbuka, as with most Buckeyes wideouts, is ready-made to contribute. The presence of Egbuka will be key because it allows Godwin time to ease back.
The Buccaneers’ backfield was another source of scoring for Mayfield. Running backs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White combined for 99 receptions and six touchdowns. Irving and White also provided balance on offense for Mayfield, as the two rushed for a combined 1,735 yards and 11 scores. The pieces are all in place for another stellar season by Mayfield.
Stability Remains Within The Tampa Bay Coaching Staff
The departure of Liam Coen to become the new coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars is an obvious concern for the fantasy community. However, head coach Todd Bowles promoted Josh Gizzard from within to take over as offensive coordinator. That decision allowed the Buccaneers to retain multiple members on their offensive staff. Continuity within the organization should benefit Mayfield, and we feel confident in his ability to replicate the success he had in 2024.
He is currently going off Underdog draft boards in the seventh round at pick 87. I would not necessarily consider the seventh round as waiting on quarterback, but passing on the Hurts, Jackson, and Allen would allow you to load up on positional players. Then, in round seven or eight, pull the trigger on Mayfield.
You could do a lot worse at fantasy quarterback. Mayfield 4500 passing yards ranked third, he was tied for second in touchdown passes with 41, and completed over 71% of his passes. Even if there is a statistical regression, he still has a good chance to outperform his current seventh-round ADP. As we stated earlier, we should be doubling down on Mayfield again in 2025!
