The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to put Baker Mayfield back under center for Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, but fantasy managers have a few reasons to approach his return cautiously. Mayfield missed three games with a dislocated right thumb, and the offensive struggles that limited his fantasy production before the injury remain unresolved.
Baker Mayfield: SIT
Mayfield completed 63.5% of his passes for 615 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions through his first three appearances, adding 65 rushing yards and a touchdown. In ESPN's standard quarterback scoring, those numbers translated to 39.1 fantasy points, or just 13.0 per game. His lack of passing touchdowns and Tampa Bay's inability to consistently sustain drives made him an unreliable fantasy option even before he suffered the injury against Minnesota.
Carolina offers Baker Mayfield a chance to improve upon those subpar numbers. ESPN's Week 7 fantasy outlook says the Panthers have allowed 22.0 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, while Yahoo ranks Carolina among the five most favorable quarterback matchups. The Panthers have also allowed touchdowns on 76.9% of red-zone trips, ranking 29th in the NFL. Carolina will be without edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Thomas Incoom, potentially giving Mayfield more time to attack a vulnerable defense.
However, Tampa Bay's pass protection remains a concern; the Buccaneers rank 30th in sacks allowed per pass attempt (11.34%), and starting right tackle Luke Goedeke has been ruled out with a calf injury. Mayfield will also be without Emeka Egbuka, who leads Tampa Bay with 28 receptions for 240 yards. Those absences could limit an offense that ranks 30th in passing production at 164.8 yards per game.
The matchup is favorable enough to give Mayfield upside, especially if Tampa Bay establishes its running game and exploits Carolina's red-zone struggles. However, fantasy managers would be relying on a quarterback who has averaged only 13.0 fantasy points per appearance, hasn't played since Week 3, and is returning to an offense still dealing with significant personnel limitations.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Fantasy football Week 7: Should you start Baker Mayfield?