Baker Mayfield enters his eighth NFL season with a remarkable tally of coordinators—10 in total—showing how he’s learned to adapt at every stop. Now with the Buccaneers, he’s paired with Josh Grizzard, promoted from within, aiming to push explosive plays while maintaining ball security. Tampa Bay’s 2024 unit finished Top 5 in both passing and rushing, set a franchise passer rating record, and led in third-down efficiency. The challenge: Wirfs’ injury is a hurdle early, but the surrounding cast—Evans, emerging Emeka Egbuka, and a versatile backfield—gives Mayfield a credible ceiling again.

Tampa Bay squeezed out a 17-14 win at Acrisure Stadium behind a sharp showing from Bridgewater and a splash of early offense from TB’s youngsters. Bridgewater completed 6 of 11 passes for 85 yards with two touchdowns and two big-time throws, posting a sparkling 93.2 PFF passing grade on first look. Bucky Irving caught a 15-yard TD on one of his two targets, Emeka Egbuka added a five-yard score, and Jalen McMillan secured an 18-yard grab before leaving with a concussion protocol evaluation. TB’s attack was capped by a late 42-yard field goal from Chase McLaughlin after a Logan Woodside interception was returned by Antonio Grier, sealing the comeback. Pittsburgh’s defense bent at times but the Steelers’ backs piled up after contact, 90 of their 132 rushing yards coming after contact, while the line struggled in the run game. PFF’s grading and snap counts are coming, but the data already shout depth for TB at receiver and backfield, plus a potential QB2 spotlight in Bridgewater if this form sticks.

Baltimore’s Cooper Rush faced his old club in a night that mixed spirited plays with rough edges, as a pass intended for LaJohntay Wester became a 40-yard pick-6 by Andrew Booth. Tampa Bay’s rookies stole headlines: Emeka Egbuka, amid Godwin’s absence, flashed high-target ceiling on a five-yard score from Teddy Bridgewater, and fellow TB rookie Bucky Irving added a 15-yard TD stumble and go. San Francisco’s Jake Moody delivered a 59-yard walk-off, sealing a win, while Beaux Collins connected with Nico Collins on deep connections—props to the Texans for their young pass-catchers. Detroit, Miami, and Cleveland also flashed, from Nico Collins and C.J. Stroud’s early TD hookup to a Browns pick-6 and later clutch plays that could shape fantasy depth charts. Ashton Jeanty’s ground game and first NFL TD added a dash of spark, while Max Crosby and Beaux Limmer offered glimpses of how Week 2 rookies could influence coatings of fantasy value across multiple teams. The night’s thread tied together rookies stepping into larger roles, second-string QBs showing their worth, and veterans anchoring early-season expectations amid a flurry of preseason QB battles and playmaking chances across the league.

Rookie WR sleepers headline Thunder Dan Palyo’s 2025 fantasy sneak peek, led by Emeka Egbuka, Matthew Golden and Jayden Higgins. Egbuka lands in Tampa Bay amid Chris Godwin’s ankle rehab, offering immediate slot work and high PPR upside if he bonds with Mayfield early. Golden, a blazing Packers first-round weapon, has a clear Week 1 path as Green Bay rebuilds the WR room and Love’s play-action game. Higgins, late in Houston, thrives on upside if Stroud’s protection and a learning curve unlock opportunities outside Nico Collins. The piece also surveys late-round bets—Kyle Williams, Jack Bech, and Jaden Shirden among others—anchoring a draft strategy focused on value over hype.