Welcome to the 2020 Fantasy Football Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview!
Some of the names you'll see below will make you think you're reading the New England Patriots preview article. But, I assure you, that is not the case! Unless you've been cut-off from sports since before COVID-19, you already know that TB12 is now playing in TB. Oh, and Brady also convinced his pal, Rob Gronkowski, to sign with the Bucs.
Tampa Bay made numerous strides in 2019, improving in all three facets of the game: Offense, Defense, and Special Teams. Jameis Winston became the first Buccaneer QB to earn the Passing Crown with his 5,109 yards. Shaq Barrett also became the first Buccaneer to lead the NFL in Sacks with 19.5.
The question now, though, is can Tom-pa Bay have an even better season in 2020?
It appears that TB12 himself may not even know that answer! So, let's jump right in and find out!
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2020 Fantasy Football Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview
Before you draft this year, be sure to check out the latest Fantasy Six Pack 2020 Fantasy Football Rankings right here!
Quarterbacks
As noted above, Tom Brady decided to take his talents south after playing his entire HOF career in New England. TB12's arrival has launched the Bucs from an up-and-coming challenge into Super Bowl contenders. And, rightfully so!
Brady is no stranger to playing in (and winning) Super Bowls, that much is obvious. Another obvious factor at-hand is that Brady comes to a team loaded with young talent. But, this is the first time in a long time that Brady has had this much talent at his disposal.
Even with Brady's five Super Bowl appearances in the last decade, he has only two Top-5 Fantasy Finishes since 2013. He has also finished at QB12 or worse in four seasons since 2013. I do not see that same mediocrity this season, though. Not with all the weapons he has now.
Running Backs
- Ronald Jones II
- Ke'Shawn Vaughn
- Dare Ogunbowale
Many fantasy pundits I've talked to are on the same page when it comes to the Tampa rushing attack. They tend to be more in the Ke'Shawn Vaughn camp, as opposed to the Ronald Jones camp. Personally, I like Jones better, and he's actually younger than Vaughn. He also quietly rushed for 724 yards, six touchdowns with a 4.2 yard-per-carry. Don't sleep on RoJo.
Either way, I do think that both RB's will have value this season! Brady is used to having multiple talented backs to check-down to when necessary. While sharing duties with Peyton Barber last season, Ro-Jo finished as RB26. Which was right between Brady's former backfield mates, James White (RB22), and Sony Michel (RB28).
Barber is no longer in town, but Dare Ogunbowale is, although he does not hold much fantasy value in 2020.
Wide Receivers
- Mike Evans
- Chris Godwin
- Justin Watson
- Tyler Johnson
Mike Evans and Chris Godwin posted similar numbers in 2019, but Godwin was the better WR to own. Evans still finished as WR12 with 1,157 yards and eight TD's on 67 receptions (118 targets). But, Godwin finished WR2 with 1,333 yards and nine TD's on 86 receptions (121 targets).
Both receivers could have finished with higher numbers had they not each suffered hamstring injuries late in the season. Both Evans and Godwin missed Weeks 15-17, which was detrimental to their fantasy owners. Even after not being available in the fantasy playoffs, their value for 2020 remains sky-high.
You may have heard/read this already, but Tom Brady's arrival should lift both Evans and Godwin to new levels. He will know exactly how to get the best out of each player. And, he will exploit their strengths early and often. I love both players for 2020, but still give Godwin the edge due to his overall consistency.
Tight Ends
Chris Godwin + Mike Evans + Rob Gronkowski = pic.twitter.com/1FixRhB087
— PFF (@PFF) April 21, 2020
- Rob Gronkowski
- OJ Howard
- Cameron Brate
The Tight End position has never been a big focal point for Bruce Arians. Now that Rob Gronkowski has come to town, that could change! I'm still personally undecided on what to think, though.
OJ Howard was gaining a lot of momentum as a potential fantasy sleeper in drafts last year. However, Howard actually finished as TE29, behind teammate, Cameron Brate at TE24.
The other worry here is that Gronk has been out of football since the 2018-19 season. So, the fact that his head coach already doesn't like feeding the position, coupled with his year-off, is scary. But, maybe Arians will change his tune with Gronk's buddy, Tom, helping pull the strings.
Final Verdict
Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski bring a championship pedigree to a young, hungry group in Tampa Bay. Their arrival only further-strengthens the Bucs, but this could be the toughest division in the NFC. I expect a three-team race between Atlanta, New Orleans, and Tampa Bay, with Carolina bringing up the rear.
There's plenty to like here from a fantasy standpoint, though! Brady could easily get himself back into Top-5 scoring this season. And, both Evans and Godwin will be Top-10 finishers, if they stay healthy. Gronk's usage is still unknown, but he should be able to contribute enough to garner a later-round pick.
Bottom line, I will definitely be drafting Tampa Bay players on all of my teams this season. You should be, too, unless you do not like winning your leagues!
Visit the F6P Fantasy Football page for more advice to get you prepared for the 2020 season.
| AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bills | Ravens | Texans | Broncos |
| Dolphins | Bengals | Colts | Chiefs |
| Jets | Browns | Jaguars | Chargers |
| Patriots | Steelers | Titans | Raiders |
| NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowboys | Bears | Falcons | Cardinals |
| Eagles | Lions | Panthers | Rams |
| Giants | Packers | Saints | 49ers |
| Washington | Vikings | Buccaneers | Seahawks |
