The Buffalo Bills are back on Sunday, hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in what could be a chance for Bills fans to see a former quarterback in action. Ryan Fitzpatrick filled in for an injured Jameis Winston last weekend, and although the Bucs’ starter is going to try to play, it is possible that Fitzmagic plays New Era Field on Sunday. As for the Bills, they look to rebound from a disastrous offensive effort in their last game before the off week. A date with Tampa Bay’s less-than-stellar defense could be just what the doctor ordered, and some prime matchups are there for fantasy players.
QB Tyrod Taylor
Mike Glennon threw for 301 yards in week two against the Bucs. The lowest passing yardage total allowed by Tampa this season? Carson Palmer’s 283 yards last week—except he also threw for 3 touchdowns, and since the Arizona Cardinals were up 31-0 at one point, they didn’t throw much in the second half. All of these signals point to a big bounce-back week for Taylor, who looked hesitant, rattled, and inaccurate all at once in a 20-16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. His numbers at home this season (66.7% completion rate, 437 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT in two games) are significantly better than his numbers on the road (59.8% completion rate, 473 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT in three games). Tampa’s porous secondary should allow for some open receivers, and I expect that Taylor will take advantage.
RB LeSean McCoy
Shady showed some signs of life against a tough Bengals run defense last week, but he failed to reach the end zone again, and although he hit his highest rushing yardage total since week one, a 63-yard performance isn’t what you drafted McCoy in the first round to do. Adrian Peterson just gashed the Bucs to the tune of 127 yards and 2 touchdowns; that was AP’s first 100-yard game since week 15 of the 2015 season. Add in McCoy’s increased usage as a receiver this season, and I’m sold on this being a very good matchup for the veteran back.
WR Zay Jones
I’m down on Zay, but I’m high on this matchup. Tampa Bay has allowed at least one receiver to score double-digit points in every game this season, and no other NFL team has allowed more fantasy points to the receiver position than they have. If there were ever a perfect opportunity for the rookie to break out and make an impression in the NFL, this would be it. It’s off a bye week, he’s had a miserable go of it over the first five games, and now he’s playing a pretty porous secondary. He could be a sneaky flex play in deeper leagues.
Miscellaneous
Call me crazy, but I like Nick O’Leary to have a good week and do a great job overall in replacing Charles Clay. The Florida State product had 5 grabs for 54 yards against the Bengals. Although the Bucs have been stout against tight ends, I have a good feeling about O’Leary... If Jordan Matthews plays, I’d be willing to bet he has a good day... The Bucs don’t give up many points to opposing defenses, but Buffalo’s D is a must-start if you have them... Stephen Hauschka is a good bet, as well, with the weather expected to be beautiful on Sunday.