Baker Mayfield was essentially left for dead in football after being a backup for the 2022 season until Tampa Bay took a chance on him last year. He had the best year of his career as a Buccaneer, but what should be expected of Mayfield in 2024?
2024 Fantasy Football Profile: Baker Mayfield
2023 in Review
Mayfield had a career best 4,044 yards and 28 touchdown passes last year in Tampa Bay. His interception tally was just two above his career best, meaning he took care of the football well. It was like someone just hit a big reset button in Mayfield’s head that allowed him to just be himself and go play football.
He finished as the QB10 last year in total points while slotting in at QB19 for points per game. That tells you his performances lacked consistency, but he had big games to make up for ones where he wasn’t at his best. It was seen in Week 15 when Mayfield posted 29 points compared to Week 6 where he posted a measly 7.8 points.
Nobody attempted more passes 16 yards or further down the field last year than Baker Mayfield.
He’s on one. pic.twitter.com/DZVxU5lFMs
— BucsinFour (@BucsinFour) August 16, 2024
Mayfield’s total points tally saw him finish above some big-name quarterbacks including C.J. Stroud, Trevor Lawrence and Matthew Stafford. Whatever his former offensive coordinator, Dave Canales, told him to do worked for Mayfield, and he showed it on the field.
2024 Projection
Despite Canales moving to an NFC South opponent in Carolina, Mayfield got another familiar face as his new offensive coordinator. The Bucs brought in Liam Coen to take over as the playcaller, so it’s a familiar face for Mayfield.
A huge bright spot for Mayfield is that he’s not the new guy, and it’s not a completely new system. He has the connection with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans that was on display last year. Knowing those two trust him is going to make this season much easier on Mayfield. Expect Coen to run a similar offense that he did with Mayfield for the Rams while sprinkling in some of what made him good under Canales.
Now that Mayfield has his confidence back, his potential is through the roof. He has the potential to finish as a Top-10 quarterback again this year despite the offense not being exactly the same. Expect another year of 4,000+ yards and 30+ touchdown passes from the former Sooner.
“I’m not satisfied with just having a job and getting extended”
Baker Mayfield says that even with the new deal in Tampa, he’ll continue to play with a chip on his shoulder.https://t.co/ZV0Iyt5pGV@Buccaneers I #WeAreTheKrewe I #NFLTrainingCamp pic.twitter.com/52J8kVJ4dC
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) August 20, 2024
Baker Mayfield Fantasy Football ADP
Mayfield’s ADP is currently 156 with a wide range from 104-213. Addressing the elephant in the room first, there’s no league where Mayfield should almost go undrafted. That’s just ridiculous to see him that low. Even his current ADP of 156 seems a bit low.
He’s a quarterback that may be better suited as a backup for your team, but it’s not the end of the world if he’s your starter. Mayfield can sling it, and he’s not afraid to do so. It’s earlier than his ADP suggests, but Mayfield should be an 11th or 12th round pick depending upon league size. Any later than that, and it’s a steal to grab him as QB2. Mayfield presents great value heading into the 2024 season.
Main Photo Courtesy of Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports
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