The 2022 Bucs are loaded with talent at every skill position, making for some good options in fantasy football play. In both season-long formats and daily fantasy sports, Tampa Bay has a plethora of viable options that could produce points for your team. Each week, I’ll take a look at the best options to start and sit, as well as a few sleepers to roll with in both formats.

Start ‘Em

QB Tom Brady

Sure, there’s a good chance this won’t be a high-scoring matchup like we saw last season, but Brady should still be good for at least two touchdowns and 250-plus passing yards, netting you a solid 20 points. Whether its season-long or DFS, Brady is a good option to start the season off with a solid performance.

Bucs WR Russell Gage – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

WR Russell Gage

With Godwin likely on a pitch count or inactive for the game, all eyes will be on Gage. Working out of the slot last season, Godwin put up nine receptions for 109 yards and a score against the Cowboys. I can see similar production from Gage in his first game as a Buc. I’m all on in on Gage this week and would start him in season-long and DFS formats. He’s an especially good play in PPR leagues.

WR Julio Jones

With Mike Evans likely drawing the double team, the opportunity is there for Jones to have an excellent first game as a Buc. Last year, opposite of Evans, Antonio Brown tallied five receptions for 121 yards and a score. He’ll draw the matchup of Anthony Brown, who struggled in last season’s opener and finished the year with a 69.0 coverage grade, per Pro Football Focus. Jones is a low-risk, high reward play in DFS and a viable flex option, especially in three-wide receiver and two-flex spot leagues.

Sit ‘Em

WR Mike Evans

Evans will draw the matchup of All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs in this game and will likely see help over the top from safety Malik Hooker. If the Bucs’ offensive line is under duress, there might not be the ability for Evans to make plays down the field like he is accustomed to. Evans only had three receptions for 24 yards in last season’s meeting. While he could still be a factor in the red zone and you’re not going to bench him in season-long fantasy, I think this is one of those games to stay away from starting him in DFS.

Bucs WR Mike Evans – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

WR Chris Godwin

Will he or won’t he? Godwin’s status is a mystery leading up to Sunday night’s game. Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said Friday that the decision will go all the way up until game time, and with an 8:20 p.m. kick, you might be left out to dry if he isn’t ready to go. And even if he is able to suit up, expect him to be on a snap count and not a huge factor in the Bucs’ game plan. He is a risky option, and it’s best to sit him for Week 1.

RB Rachaad White

While I think White will be a viable streaming option later in the season, right now he is just too risky of a play given the uncertainty of his role. He’ll be the team’s starting kick returner, but other than that, what kind of role he has on offense remains to be seen. Keep him on the bench this week.

Sleepers

TE Cam Brate

Brate was held without a catch in last year’s season opener, with Rob Gronkowski getting the bulk of the work to the tune of eight receptions for 90 yards and two “tuddies.” With Gronk gone, though, there could be a big opportunity for Brate to have a strong performance against the Cowboys. Add that to the fact the Bucs’ offensive line could be under siege at points of the game and Brate becomes a viable dump-off option for Brady. This could lead to a good fantasy outing for the veteran tight end. He makes for a good streaming option in season-long leagues and a low-risk, high-reward option in DFS.

RB Leonard Fournette

Bucs RB Leonard Fournette – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The Bucs didn’t get much going on the ground against the Cowboys last season, with Fournette totaling just nine carries for 32 yards. But the team has put an emphasis on establishing the run early this year. Through two games this preseason, Fournette looks like he has a renewed vigor to him after signing a long-term deal in the offseason.

Even if the Bucs fail to get the running game going, where Fournette could thrive is in the passing game. He had five receptions for 27 yards in the season opener in 2021 and could see similar production if the offensive line struggles. Start him in all season-long formats, and he’s good value in DFS to use as your No. 1 back.

Bucs D/ST

The Bucs defense and special teams is a great value option to round out your DFS squad this week. They remain a great play in season-long fantasy formats as well. The chance is there for Tampa Bay’s defense to put a ton of pressure on Dak Prescott and tally sacks while also potentially forcing turnovers. With Prescott missing his No. 2 and No. 3 options at receiver and Dalton Schultz likely needing to help block in some passing situations, the Bucs D/ST is a good start and selection in all formats.