Bucs edge Texans 20-19 in Houston, flipping the script from 2023 and escaping with a late touchdown drive after a pair of injury-riddled halves. Tampa Bay moves to 2-0, headlined by a fourth-quarter march capped by a Rachaad White score, while Baker Mayfield navigates a battered line and Emeka Egbuka shines on a crucial screen completion.

Houston pressed with a late momentum swing—Jaylin Noel’s punt return set up a Nick Chubb TD and a 19-14 lead—but the Buccaneers answered in the final minutes, aided by a late defensive stand and a Key field goal run, sealing the comeback at NRG Stadium. The win leaves Tampa Bay eyeing Week 3 with momentum and health concerns for several linemen.

Injuries dominated the storyline: Luke Goedeke exited early for Tampa Bay, Calijah Kancey left later, and the defense still found lanes to pressure Stroud. The Texans showed resilience, but the Bucs prevailed, improving mood around the division and setting up a nationally watched home matchup with the Jets.

Mayfield steps in healthy for Week 1 at Atlanta, leaning on Evans for most targets while mixing in Godwin. Falcons' defense is a test, so quick rhythm and accuracy will set the tone. If Mayfield hits early, Evans provides a solid floor with weekly upside; Godwin offers tournament value. TB’s Week 1 outcome could signal their offensive pace this season.

Reddick’s addition sharpens TB’s pass rush, while Evans’ and Mayfield’s connection creates a tangible fantasy floor. Lavonte David’s return stabilizes the defense, and the TB defense should pressure Atlanta’s offense enough to push sleeper IDP and defense-stream options on the radar.

Tampa Bay faces a Week 1 test with key injuries to Godwin, Wirfs, Izien and Morrison, while Vea is a game-time gamble and Lavonte David rests. Mayfield must lean on Evans and Cade Otton, with Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson sliding into a bigger role. Atlanta counters with Michael Penix Jr. and a spruced-up receiving corps, setting up a Week 1 clash that will stress depth, timing, and scheme in fantasy lineups.

Tampa Bay unveiled its 2025 captains, sticking with Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans and Lavonte David, and adding Tristan Wirfs, Vita Vea and Antoine Winfield Jr. to the leadership group. Bowles framed it as a mix of long-tenured icons and steady young captains to set a strong tone for the Buccaneers’ 50th season. This signals stability for fantasy managers as the locker room culture could bolster consistent production from the offense and defense alike.

Mayfield, Evans and David anchor the core, with Wirfs and Winfield Jr. providing offensive line continuity and secondary leadership. Vita Ve(a) and Winfield Jr. round out a durable, communicative unit. Expect Evans to remain a target anchor, Mayfield to leverage experience, and the defense to benefit from veteran leadership across the field.