Should I Start Baker Mayfield?

Sunday, October 25, 3:45 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) was a fantasy bust in his return from a three-game absence, finishing with just 6.7 fantasy points in Sunday's 43-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers with little opportunity to accumulate production. Mayfield completed seven of 11 passes for 64 yards and one touchdown without an interception, adding one rushing yard, and posted an efficient 109.7 passer rating. His lone touchdown, a 14-yard connection with Tez Johnson late in the second quarter, gave Tampa Bay a commanding 33-6 halftime advantage. The Buccaneers attempted 49 rushes for 258 yards and three touchdowns, while their defense contributed another score on a fumble return. Head coach Todd Bowles acknowledged afterward that such a run-heavy approach wasn't the original plan, but the circumstances let Tampa Bay control the game without relying on its passing attack. Mayfield will face the Atlanta Falcons at home in Week 8.