Sunday, May 12, 2024

Fantasy Football

Don’t Pass The Buc

So, Tampa Bay has been busy haven’t they? Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, O.J. Howard, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Wow, sounds like a power house doesn’t it? Surely the Buc’s are the talk of the sports world right now with the additions of the GOAT and his favorite clutch target. Would I be writing about the Buc’s in this depth a short year ago? Certainly not. Just like I will, when you draft, “Don’t Pass The Buc”.

Any scoring format of fantasy football this team looks like a juggernaut from the outside. I’ve drafted 2 leagues so far Godwin and Evans both went in round one. A far cry from me being accused of “reaching” for Godwin in round 4 last year. Maybe it was my Penn State bias, I knew he had magic on the field. He was Jameis Winston’s favorite target at 86 receptions followed by Mike Evans’ 67. What will it look like with Tom Brady? Here’s my take.

Tom Brady

Brady Bucs logo mashup

Tom just wants to play football and have fun doing it. He knew what he was doing when he wanted to call Raymond James Stadium home. Tampa’s defense is young and good. The weapons he has on offense are stellar. Oh, that one guy that did some magical things in the 2018 playoffs came back too. Tom has some new top tier toys and his favorite playmate. There are doubters out there, y’all just hate greatness. This year will be extravagant for starved Tampa Bay fans.

Where to pick Brady? Round 4

Chris Godwin

Chris  Godwin running away from Panthers defense

Last year there was lightning in a bottle. Godwin was underestimated by defenses all year. Opponents had their top corner following Evans which when the play broke down and the pocket collapsed the ball was slung in Godwin‘s direction. Of course he was able to capitalize on the situation, though he did relinquish 12 to TB12. Did I mention that Chris Godwin is my favorite receiver in the NFL right now? Did the glowing review above give it away? Sorry, I was distracted by my thought that he will be the next AB, without the crazy.

Where to pick? Round 2, early. 

Mike Evans

Evans on field taunting

Evans was vocal on field with his frustrations toward Jameis Winston and the passing issues when the ball was tossed his way. Everything is going to change this year, you cannot be upset with the GOAT Tom Brady. It’s impossible to voice that opinion, even if there were issues. Sports media would be all over that, like who does he think he is? Criticizing the GOAT! Evans will lead the Buc’s in yards and receptions this year. We’re about to see a connection that Brady hasn’t had since Randy Moss was in New England.

Where to pick? Late round 1.

Rob Gronkowski

Gronk in the ring at Wrestlemania 35

Nobody saw this coming. Did Gronk retire a year ago from football, or did he retire from the Patriot Way? Cause he’s back, fresh off his win of the WWE 24/7 Championship at Wrestlemania 36. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say his physical that he needed to join in the festivities for WWE was the one that got him back into the NFL. We questioned who would take time away from the Covid-19 pandemic to do Brady’s but nobody is wondering about Gronk’s? From retired Patriot to NFL return to Tampa Bay in trade in 3 hours. Someone pulled some strings. Tom, your 6’6” safety blanket has returned to you. GET HYPE!

-Preseason week 3, let’s see someone beat Gronk for that 24/7 title on the field. Please?

-This news came out yesterday in the middle of a draft I’m in. You should’ve seen the commotion and trade talks for a ROUND 20 pick. The gentleman that had the pick, didn’t take Gronk and didn’t trade it, he took a defensive player. Erik, my dear friend. I meant it when I said it, that was dumb. Erik is also the Jaguars fan responsible for my Twitter cover photo, go check it out.

Where to pick? Right after Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Zach Ertz are taken.

O.J. Howard

Howard carrying the ball

I don’t expect him to be a Buc after draft day. He’s going to get packaged up for picks or in another player trade. Everyone forgets Cameron Brate is still there and still very capable. If Howard does find a new home, they’re getting a brutally talented TE to compliment whatever offense is ran. Unless its Jacksonville, I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.

What’s The Plan Bruce?

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Is Ronald Jones II the guy? 172 attempts, 724 yards at a 4.2 average carry are certainly not numbers to turn a cheek at. While Brady is used to an average to below par run attack I think it’s Ronald’s year to shine. Defenses will be worried about the firepower on the outside, while he’s just going to rip it up on the inside.

VALUE PICK: Round 7 or later. (I got him in round 10 of the aforementioned draft I’m in now)

More Reunions?

Let’s not forget, Stephen Gostkowski intends to play football in 2020. Possible that he’s got a ticket to Tampa Bay in his near future? With Patriots fans already showing allegiance to TB12 and Gronk vocally on every social media outlet we must ask if this is in the works. The former Patriots kicking staple only played 4 games in 2019 before a hip injury. Slated to be ready for 2020 even before he was let go he’s had plenty of time on the outside looking in to rehab and look at his next stop. First year kicker Matt Gay had an atrocity in week 17 missing 3 field goals. 74.1% overall on field goals and 89% on extra points, is it possible that he could take a back seat to the veteran?

However it plays out in Tampa Bay this year, I will be writing about it and you can catch it right here @BellyUpFantasySports and all the other content from our talented staff. If you want to tell me I’m wrong, or just say things to me @KennyYake on Twitter.