Tampa Bay Buccaneers Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections

Martin and Ayers are working through the concussion protocol while Hargreaves has missed the past three games with a hamstring injury. Even if Martin clears the protocol, he's in danger of losing his starting job. He's been wholly ineffective this season, failing to return more than 3.9 yards per carry in any full game this season. Peyton Barber filled in and eclipsed 100 rushing yards (102) while adding four receptions for 41 yards. He may have earned another shot to be the featured guy against the Lions this weekend. Detroit has allowed the third-most PPR points to backs over the past four weeks, so it could be a nice spot to target Barber in that scenario. It's a backfield to watch this week. On the defensive side of things, Ayers is one of their best run-stoppers and his return would help the Bucs defense on the ground.

Martin suffered a concussion Sunday and hasn't practiced all week. Jacquizz Rodgers ended up leading the backfield with nine touches for 37 yards. If Martin misses any time, Rodgers could move into the starting lineup while Charles Sims handles the passing-down work. Rodgers has returned 3.6 yards per carry this season and he could potentially lose some early-down work to Peyton Barber, which would make it a three-way committee. If Martin plays, he could maintain the featured role but he’s returned just 3.2 yards per carry this season and he’s only scored twice. Green Bay's defense has been solid up front, they're currently 11th in adjusted line yards (per FO). On the defensive side of the ball, Ward is also in the concussion protocol. He’s PFF’s 68th-ranked cover safety among 84 qualifiers but he’s 17th in run defense. He and Chris Conte split time at safety and they complement each other well; Conte has earned the 75th run defense grade and the 21st in coverage. If Ward is out, Conte would likely take over a full-time role against the Packers on Sunday.

Ayers hasn't been able to practice all week as he deals with a concussion. It's a big loss for the Bucs defense as Ayers is PFF's 12th-ranked edge defender this season. William Gholston is ready to return and he'll mix in with Ryan Russell and Will Clarke in place of Ayers, all of whom represent notable downgrades in pass rushing productivity. Tampa Bay already ranks 30th in adjusted sack rate (per FO), so the loss of their top performer will bode well for Matt Ryan. On top of that, the Falcons offensive line has posted the ninth-best pass-blocking efficiency rate (per PFF). Ayers is a well-rounded player and he's posted the ninth-best run stop rate among edge defenders. His absence should open things up for Tevin Coleman if Devonta Freeman (concussion) is sidelined again. TB has given up the 11th-most PPR points to RBs with Ayers playing in every game so far this year. Hargreaves' absence will leave Mohamed Sanu with an even better matchup in the slot. He'll likely see Ryan Smith, PFF's 96th-ranked cover corner. Robert McClain played inside last week but he'll likely head back outside to defend Julio Jones. McClain has allowed 0.3 fantasy points per route defended and an 79% catch rate this season (per PFF). While Jones leads the Falcons with 11 red zone targets and seven inside the ten-yard line, he's only caught three passes inside the 20 and scored just once. Sanu has turned five looks inside the ten into four touchdowns.

Ayers hasn't been able to practice all week as he deals with a concussion. It's a big loss for the Bucs defense as Ayers is PFF's 12th-ranked edge defender this season. William Gholston is ready to return and he'll mix in with Ryan Russell and Will Clarke in place of Ayers, all of whom represent notable downgrades in pass rushing productivity. Tampa Bay already ranks 30th in adjusted sack rate (per FO), so the loss of their top performer will bode well for Matt Ryan. On top of that, the Falcons offensive line has posted the ninth-best pass-blocking efficiency rate (per PFF). Ayers is a well-rounded player and he's posted the ninth-best run stop rate among edge defenders. His absence should open things up for Tevin Coleman if Devonta Freeman (concussion) is sidelined again. TB has given up the 11th-most PPR points to RBs with Ayers playing in every game so far this year.

Hargreaves has been ruled out and won't suit up for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins due to a hamstring injury. While Hargreaves has struggled at times this season, his absence is nothing but positive news for the outlook of DeVante Parker, who appears to have fully recovered from his ankle ailment after playing 89 percent of the team's snaps on Monday night. Given the matchup with a leaky Buccaneers secondary, Parker sets up as an intriguing tournament option as he has seen at least eight targets in every game he's started and finished this season, and he leads the Dolphins in average depth of target on the year.