2010 NFL Fantasy Preview: Tampa Bay

The Bucs do not bring much to the table for fantasy owners. Aside from Kellen Winslow, there isn’t a reliable option, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid them all together.

 

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule :  Favorable
Too bad the Bucs don’t have more fantasy options because their schedule, on paper anyway, is very soft. They start off against the Redskins at home in Week 14, followed by two home games against fellow bottom dwellers Detroit and Seattle.

Five Star Fantasy Options
None

Four Star Fantasy Options
Kellen Winslow – Winslow is forever an injury risk, but he has shown enough toughness to fight through the pain that you can rely on him. He has had at least 77 catches and 875 yards in three of the last four seasons.  The main knock on him is that he doesn’t score touchdowns (only 16 career touchdowns). He has added value in PPR leagues.

Three Star Fantasy Options
None

Two Star Fantasy Options
Cadillac Williams – The Auburn duo of Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown have had more of their share of injuries. There aren’t many players that I pull for more than Cadillac because of everything he’s endured. He was overlooked last year because of the acquisition of Derrick Ward, yet still managed to compile a 1040 total yard (823 rushing), seven touchdowns (four rushing) season. You have to be a little skeptical that Ward will play a larger role, but as of now it appears Williams is the Bucsback to own. 

Reggie Brown – Newcomer Reggie Brown has a chance to start over in Tampa Bay. He was passed in Philly’s depth charts by youngsters DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. He’ll have to hold off veteran Michael Clayton and rookies Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams.

Buccaneers Defense/Special Teams – For starters I like their Week 15 and 16 match-ups against the Lions and Seahawks respectively. They also take on the Browns (Week 1) and Rams (Week 7).  Plus, their second match-up against the Saints is after the fantasy season.

One Star Fantasy Options
Josh Freeman – Freeman has the tools to become a good NFL quarterback, but it’s going to take some time. Without quality options at wide reciever or a solid ground game, it will take a little longer. He’ll have his moments, but they will be few and far between.

Derrick Ward –  Ward did not exactly live up to the hype last year, combining for 559 total yards (409 rushing) and three touchdowns (one rushing). His paltry 3.6 yards per carry didn’t help matters either. He could make a run at the starting gig this summer, but until he earns his spot, his stock is very limited.

Michael Clayton, Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams – After an impressive 80 catch, 1193 yard, seven touchdowns rookie season, Clayton has just 141 catches for 1743 yards and three touchdowns over the past  five seasons. Surely you don’t expect him to suddenly remember how to be an elite fantasy wide receiver. Benn could beat out Clayton or Brown for a chance to start, but I wouldn’t put much faith in a rookie wide reciever given Tampa Bay’s offense. Williams has the tools, but will likely take longer to make an impact.

Click here for additional 2010 NFL Team Previews .