BakerMayfield

News: 3 days agoMayfield completed 23 of 28 passes for 216 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions while adding five rushes for 30 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 33-27 loss to the Bengals on Sunday. He also lost three fumbles.

Spin: Fresh off inking his long-sought-after contract extension, Mayfield endured a fairly nightmarish afternoon in which his turnovers played a direct role in the Buccaneers' narrow loss. Mayfield's first fumble of the day came just past the midway point of the first quarter on a sack and was returned for a touchdown by Demetrius Knight, while his second cost Tampa Bay points as it came on the Bengals' four-yard line early in the second quarter. The third and final time Mayfield lost the handle was costly as well, considering the ball was recovered by Cincinnati at the Buccaneers' 43-yard line and the turnover led to a field goal. Mayfield would get his team back within seven points thanks to his nine-yard touchdown run with just over three minutes remaining, but he wouldn't get the ball back again. The veteran signal-caller will look to atone in an appealing Week 2 home matchup against the Browns next Sunday.

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.