Game Info
Kickoff: Monday, September 15, 2025, 11:00 PM ET
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
Network: ABC
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield: START, Borderline QB1
Although he threw for just 167 yards, Baker Mayfield finished as a QB1 thanks to three touchdowns and chipping in 39 yards on the ground. Houston presents a tough matchup, but between Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka, the Bucs have enough firepower to keep Mayfield startable in all formats.
Running Back
Bucky Irving: START, RB1
Rachaad White: SIT
Bucky Irving had a limited game on the ground, rushing for just 37 yards on 14 carries. But his involvement in the passing game is what helps him maintain a high floor and ceiling, catching all four of his targets, including a touchdown. He’s a do-it-all back who still maintains RB1 status for me unless we see the struggles on the ground continue.
Wide Receiver
Mike Evans: START, WR2
Emeka Egbuka: START, WR2
Rookie Emeka Egbuka lived up to the hype, debuting with four catches on six targets for 67 yards and two touchdowns, including the 25-yard game-winner with about a minute left in the game. He’s the second player in Buccaneers history with two touchdowns in a team debut.
EMEKA EGBUKA. THE ROOKIE. AGAIN.
TBvsATL on FOXhttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/pLyQEvaSG4
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
He’s on his way to overtaking Mike Evans as the WR1 on Tampa, but both fall in WR2 range for now.
Tight End
Cade Otton: SIT
You’re not starting Cade Otton. Please. I beg of you.
Houston Texans
Quarterback
C.J. Stroud: SIT
I was hopeful for a C.J. Stroud bounce-back, but with the state of his offensive line and missing key pieces in running back Joe Mixon and receiver Christian Kirk, Stroud is merely a streamer at this point. I’m not interested in starting him in any format this week.
Running Back
Nick Chubb: SIT
Dare Ogunbowale: SIT
Dameon Pierce: SIT
Lol.
Wide Receiver
Nico Collins: START, WR1B
Jayden Higgins: SIT
Jaylin Noel: SIT
Until C.J. Stroud can consistently produce remotely decent numbers, the only Texans receiver you can comfortably start is Nico Collins. Jayden Higgins led Houston Week 1 with a whopping 32 receiving yards and is a high-risk FLEX option with upside for more later in the season. But this offense is such a mess, I’d much prefer to keep him on the bench.
Tight End
Dalton Schultz: SIT
Ba da ba ba ba, McDouble.