The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not have Mike Evans active on Sunday and this week he could be back in the lineup to start if his hamstring injury improves. Jameis Winston had a tough game to start his career, but he has solid fantasy football options for owners in Vincent Jackson, Doug Martin, Charles Sims and Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who could be a sleeper in Week 2.
The fortunes for the Buccaneers could depend on Evans and his health, as he is a big receiver with explosive ability on offense. Winston started off his career with an interception that was returned for a touchdown and he finished the game with 210 yards, two picks and two passing TDs. Winston will have growing pains, but he could put up some good numbers if Evans can get back on the field and the rushing game can be consistent.
According to NFL.com, Evans was inactive for Week 1 and head coach Lovie Smith said that the receiver would be evaluated this week to see if he can go on Sunday. Having Evans off the field was a big loss for the Buccaneers, as he had a breakout season as a rookie with 68 catches for 1051 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2014. If Evans can't go again, Vincent Jackson, Louis Murphy and Austin Seferian-Jenkins likely will get the biggest boost on offense. The rushing game will get a better chance this week, as the team could not get into a rhythm after going down to the Titans.
Doug Martin led the team in rushing with 52 yards on 11 carries against the Titans, but it wasn't a full offensive day for Martin and Sims behind him. Martin had a strong offseason and he is healthy after playing in just 11 games last season. Martin has been trying to get back to where he was as a rookie when he rushed for 1454 yards and 11 touchdowns while also adding 49 catches for 472 yards. Martin is going to be relied on a lot with a rookie QB coming in and he could put up strong numbers for fantasy owners.
Sims did not get much work in the game against the Titans, putting up 12 yards on five carries with two catches out of the backfield. Sims is going to be the backup for Martin and he is worth using as a handcuff for fantasy owners with Martin. Austin Seferian-Jenkins has the chance to be a sleeper for fantasy owners moving forward even with Evans on the field when he comes back. Jenkins has five catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday and he could be a safety valve for Winston this season.
