BakerMayfield

News: 3 days agoMayfield completed two of four passes for 10 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in the Buccaneers' 16-15 preseason win over the Chiefs on Saturday.

Spin: As expected, Mayfield made his preseason debut and worked the first two series with a short-handed pass-catching crew that was down Emeka Egbuka (toe), Jalen McMillan (knee), Tez Johnson (groin) and Cade Otton (undisclosed). Mayfield's completions went to Kameron Johnson (11 yards) and David Sills (minus-1 yard), and Saturday's brief appearance likely represents the extent of preseason action Mayfield will see ahead of a Week 1 road showdown with Joe Burrow and the Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 13.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Mayfield is back for Year 4 as Tampa Bay's starting quarterback. He has put together three consecutive top-12 fantasy campaigns, though his 2025 season (12th in total points, but 19th in points per game) was a big step back from 2024 (fourth overall and per game). Mayfield tossed 26 touchdowns (way down from 41 in 2024) and severely lacked upside, managing only four top-10 fantasy weeks. Granted, the 31-year-old was not fully healthy throughout the season and did still finish in the top 10 at the position in key categories, including passing yards, passing TDs and rushing yards. With a solid supporting cast and Zac Robinson as playcaller, Mayfield has some rebound potential and does just enough with his legs to make him an appealing QB2 target.