Game Info
Kickoff: Saturday, January 3, 2026, 4:30 PM ET
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Network: ABC
Carolina Panthers
Quarterback
Bryce Young: START (in Superflex), Borderline QB1
It’s hard to recommend starting Bryce Young, a guy who’s thrown for over 200 yards just three times and three touchdowns in his last three games combined, but it’s Week 18, and with multiple starters sitting, you may not have a choice. The Bucs are a top three fantasy matchup for quarterbacks, giving up seven passing touchdowns in their last three games to the middling trio of Kirk Cousins, Young, and Quinn Ewers.
Running Back
Rico Dowdle: FLEX, RB3
Chuba Hubbard: SIT
While Rico Dowdle hasn’t been getting the workload he was in the middle of the season, he’s still getting the majority of the touches for the Panthers. Dowdle has 15 or more touches in four straight games since just getting ten against the 49ers, a workload that keeps him in the FLEX range against the Bucs, who give up the 12th most points to the position, but are more susceptible to the pass than the run. Chuba Hubbard has one game over 10 points since his Week 7 return and isn’t getting enough work to be considered for lineups.
Wide Receiver
Tetairoa McMillan: START, WR1
Xavier Legette: SIT
Jalen Coker: FLEX, WR4
If we had a full plate of players available this week, Tetairoa McMillan would be slotted in as a WR2 due to his inconsistency. But with the Week 18 impact, the decent matchup and Tet’s (usual) standing as the top option for Young places him right on the WR1 fringe. He scored nearly 20 fantasy points the last time these teams met and is a favorite to get into the end zone again. Jalen Coker is a volatile FLEX option you’re hoping comes down with a long touchdown. Xavier Legette has a nice smile.
Tight End
Tommy Tremble: SIT
If you suffer from nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, and/or diarrhea, you may have a case of the Tommy Trembles.
Defense/Special Teams
Carolina Panthers: STREAMER
The Panthers have 10 sacks over their last four games, and Baker Mayfield has thrown eight interceptions in his last seven games.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield: START (in Superflex), Borderline QB1
As I mentioned just one blurb ago, Baker Mayfield has had a turnover problem in the second half of the season and has an unfortunate matching set of 10 total turnovers to total touchdowns since Week 11. But with the division and a playoff berth on the line, his quiver finally full of his pass-catching options, we could see Mayfield bake as he did early in the season. He lives for moments like this.
Running Back
Bucky Irving: START, RB2
Rachaad White: SIT
Sean Tucker: SIT
Bucky Irving has looked every bit as explosive as his pre-injury self since returning. But with Sean Tucker taking over the goal line role for the Bucs and Rachaad White still being sprinkled, Irving’s upside is cappe,d and his floor has fallen. He’s still an elite talent, but even in a top ten matchup against the Panthers, he’s just an RB2 after scoring 10 or fewer points in three straight. If you have to dig deep for a FLEX option or a desperation RB2, I’d gamble on Tucker over White thanks to his touchdown upside.
Wide Receiver
Mike Evans: START, WR1
Emeka Egbuka: START, WR3
Chris Godwin Jr.: START, WR3
Mike Evans has once again emerged as the Tampa WR1 since his return from injury, and he’s maintained borderline fantasy WR1 stats over the previous two weeks by getting into the end zone. He’s caught a total of eight passes for 62 yards in his last two, but maintained an elite target share, averaging over nine targets per game since returning. Both Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka can be considered WR3s in a tough matchup against Carolina. Godwin is the safer option of the two, with Egbuka just as likely to get you zero as he is 30.
Tight End
Cade Otton: SIT
Cade Otton hasn’t scored 10 fantasy points since before Thanksgiving.
Defense/Special Teams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: SIT
Even against the Panthers, the Bucs defense isn’t in consideration for fantasy.