The 2024 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. The season kicks off on Thursday, September 5 and every day through Monday, September 2 we’ll be going team-by-team as we preview the new season. Be sure to come back here every afternoon as we look at a new team and get your ready for the 2024 season. We’ll cover off-season changes, the fantasy prospects, and the prediction for how the team will fare this season.

The Buccaneers took a chance on Baker Mayfield to lead the team in their first season after Tom Brady. No one could be certain how it would work out. But Mayfield found his footing and thrived in Tampa Bay, guiding the Buccaneers to a 9-8 record and another NFC South title. The Buccaneers even won the Wild Card game over the Eagles and nearly made a run in Detroit against the Lions. The NFC South has gotten better this off-season, so what will that mean for the Buccaneers? Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The Buccaneers kept their key free agents, re-signing both Mike Evans and Mayfield this off-season. But it wasn’t a clean sweep. The team saw Shaq Barrett leave in free agency and subsequently retire. They also saw Devin White depart for the Eagles. But in the free agent period, the Buccaneers re-loaded on defense, bringing in safety Jordan Whitehead, linebacker Randy Gregory, and cornerback Bryce Hall. In the draft, the Buccaneers used a top pick to snag Graham Barton and grabbed a pass-rusher in Chris Brasswell in the Second Round.

Later in the draft, the Buccaneers added another weapon in former Washington receiver Jalen McMillan. He caught 164 passes for 2,143 yards and 17 touchdowns in his time with the Huskies. Additionally, the Buccaneers drafted running back Bucky Irving out of Oregon. In two seasons with the Ducks, he rushed for 2,238 yards and 16 touchdowns. He gives them an option and some insurance behind Rachaad White.

Fantasy Prospects

At quarterback, the Buccaneers return Mayfield. He was QB10 in 2023 but will be adjusting to life with a new Offensive Coordinator. I still think he’s solid and have him as a strong QB2. In the backfield, White was RB4 thanks to his rushing and receiving work. I think Top 5 is high, but I still like him as an RB1. I also like Irving to make some contributions and to potentially have some low-end flex value.

In the passing game, Evans has been Mr. Reliable. He’s never had less than 1,000 yards in his professional career, and I don’t think that streak ends. He’s a WR2 for me. Elsewhere, the team has veteran Chris Godwin along with second-year receiver Trey Palmer and McMillan. I like Godwin to finish in the WR3 range. I think McMillan and Palmer will be fun at times, but neither will be reliable for fantasy. McMillan is the one I prefer for dynasty. Cade Otton was solid at tight end in 2023, and I think he’s a TE2 in 2024 again.

Prediction

The Buccaneers still have a solid team on offense and defense. They aren’t flashy but I think they’ll still be right around .500, as they have in the past couple years, and be a factor in the NFC South and the NFC Wild Card race.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.