Over/Under: N/A
Buccaneers Implied Team Total: N/A
Lions Implied Team Total: N/A
Another week, another Tampa Bay Buccaneers game without a line thanks to a questionable quarterback. This week, however, the uncertainty surrounds the playing status of Detroit Lions' quarterback Matthew Stafford, after the veteran's throwing hand was stepped on in Week 13. While Stafford appears to have avoided serious injury, he's highly questionable for what could be one of the more fruitful fantasy games of the week. Whether or not Stafford plays, there are a several Bucs who could be well-positioned for productive afternoons.
Jameis Winston, QB, Buccaneers
FanDuel Price: $7,200
Jameis Winston has struggled with injuries and inconsistencies in 2017, and hasn't taken the next step toward cementing himself as a franchise quarterback. However, over the course of his nine starts this season, he has produced four 300-plus yard games and tossed multiple touchdowns on four occasions. When the matchup has been attractive, he's usually performed capably, and last week was no exception, as he dropped 270 yards and 2 scores on a struggling Green Bay Packers defense in his return to the lineup.
In Week 14, he draws a crumbling Lions pass defense that has surrendered multi-touchdown games to Joe Flacco and Case Keenum over the past two weeks -- they also allowed reasonable productive starts to the likes of Mitchell Trubisky and DeShone Kizer in weeks prior. For some reason, Winston is priced as the QB21 on FanDuel this week, but our models project him for 20.3 points (tied for sixth-most). It's a fantastic combination of value and expected production for the third-year passer.
Peyton Barber, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
FanDuel Price: $5,500
When Doug Martin was inactive last weekend, some eyebrows were raised when it was announced that sophomore runner Peyton Barber would draw the start over the veteran Jacquizz Rodgers. Barber proceeded to rush for 102 yards on 23 carries, while adding 4 receptions for 41 yards. It was a stunning display of production from a player who hadn't received a single carry in six of the team's first eleven contests.
Nonetheless, Barber made the most of his opportunity and has likely earned a significant role in the backfield going forward. It's too early to tell if Martin will be back on the field in Week 14, but the Bucs certainly aren't going to phase Barber out of the game plan after such a sensational showing.
This week, Barber faces a Lions run defense that has been getting trounced ever since Haloti Ngata suffered a season-ending biceps injury in Week 5. Since that day, the Lions have surrendered 100-plus rushing yards in five of seven contests, including allowing 200-plus yards on the ground to the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings. Barber is startable for pennies on FanDuel this week in a premium matchup.
Others to Consider
Mike Evans ($7,300) is having a decent year but isn't scoring touchdowns at his usual pace. With a date with top-notch cornerback Darius Slay this weekend, he's a volatile option, but his upside remains intact.
The Lions have surrendered 4 touchdown receptions to tight ends over their last three contests. Cameron Brate ($5,400) could make for interesting tight end play this week, considering his low price tag and high-end production when Winston is in the lineup.
Without knowing if Stafford ($8,000) is going to play, it's incredibly difficult to suggest starting any Lions skill players, even against a Bucs defense that's allowing 385.6 yards of total offense (second-most) per game and the most FanDuel points per contest (33.9) to opposing wide receivers. If Stafford starts, fire up Marvin Jones ($7,000) and Golden Tate ($6,800) comfortably. If not, Lions players are a risky proposition.