Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season was a tough one for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Not only did they suffer a blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football, but they also lost two of their star receivers to significant injuries.
The Buccaneers’ passing attack suffered a major blow due to the sidelining of both Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Godwin has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a dislocated ankle, while Evans is expected to miss at least the next three games due to a hamstring injury.
The absence of Godwin and Evans has created ample opportunities for other Buccaneers receivers to emerge. And one name that fantasy managers should be targeting on the waiver wire is Trey Palmer.
Palmer, a second-year pro out of Nebraska, saw his usage spike in Week 7 after the Godwin and Evans injuries. On 81% of the team’s dropbacks, Palmer ran routes, received three targets, and caught two passes for 25 yards.
Palmer’s increased role in the offense, despite his modest numbers, makes him a compelling addition to the Buccaneers’ waiver wire, particularly with Godwin and Evans sidelined.
Palmer’s main competition for targets will come from fellow Buccaneers wideout Jalen McMillan. McMillan had a team-high eight targets against the Ravens, catching five passes for 49 yards.
Palmer’s versatility and familiarity with the Buccaneers’ system may give him the edge over McMillan. The 6’2″ receiver can line up both outside and in the slot, giving him the potential for a larger and more consistent role in the offense.
McMillan does have the advantage of having a higher ADOT (average depth of target) of 13.7 yards compared to Palmer’s 9.6. This suggests McMillan could provide more big-play potential. But Palmer’s rapport with quarterback Baker Mayfield and his steadier usage make him the safer fantasy option.
The Buccaneers will require maximum effort in their passing game due to their challenging upcoming schedule, which includes games against the Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Francisco 49ers. That should translate to a significant uptick in targets and opportunity for both Palmer and McMillan.
For fantasy managers looking to bolster their receiving corps, Palmer stands out as the must-add Buccaneers wideout. His path to targets is clearer than McMillan’s, and he has the potential to emerge as a weekly fantasy starter in the absence of Godwin and Evans.
Of course, fantasy fortunes can change quickly in the NFL. However, with the Buccaneers’ top two receivers sidelined, Palmer has the opportunity to demonstrate his skills and significantly influence fantasy football lineups in the upcoming weeks.