Tag: Mayfield

Dec 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Top 10 Player Props For NFL Week 18

Posted on | by Field Level Media

With most NFL playoff teams sitting key personnel, Week 18 may not be a great week for putting money down on the traditional betting line. However, with many players looking to make statements, it is a great week to bet on NFL player props.

Of course, with hundreds to choose from, it can be a bit of a chore figuring out which ones to bet on. Here are our top 10 NFL player props (in no particular order) for the weekend’s slate.

Saints vs. Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield, OVER 251.5 Passing Yards at -113 (via BetRivers)

OVER 1.5 Passing Touchdowns at -114 (via BetRivers)

To throw for 300+ yards +260 (via DraftKings)

Mayfield has been in the zone, completing no less than 72.1 percent of his passes in any of the past three games, throwing for more than 251.5 yards in five of his last six games (and in 10 of 16 this season), and recording 2+ passing touchdowns in each of the past four.

Earlier this season, against the Saints, he completed 24 of 36 passes for 325 yards and four touchdowns, but he also had three interceptions.

The Saints are in complete disarray. Spence Rattler has been awful, as has been the Saints’ run game. So even if the New Orleans defense gets off to a strong start, it eventually will get tired. Tampa Bay is playing to secure the division title and its spot in the playoffs.

Mayfield is going for blood in this game. He’ll clear 300+ passing yards and throw at least two touchdown passes. Take the OVER on both.

Mike Evans, OVER 100.5 at -135 (via BetMGM)

Anytime First Half TD Scorer at +160 (via bet365)

Evans needs 85 yards to crack 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th straight season. Winning will come first, but it’s hard to envision a world where Mayfield doesn’t try to help him get there. Evans was held to two receptions (six targets) for 34 yards vs. the Saints in the first matchup. That will not happen again.

If Mayfield targets Evans as often as I expected, Evans will score at least once in the first half.

Vikings vs. Lions

Jared Goff, OVER 280.5 Passing Yards at -115 (via BetRivers)

Sam Darnold, OVER 281.5 Passing Yards at -115 (via bet365)

There is so much on the line in this game — division title, best record in the conference, No. 1 seed, bye in the first round, pride — to say these guys will lay it all on the line would be an understatement.

But that doesn’t mean we can expect the Lions’ secondary to suddenly become good again. No, this game will be a track meet with one team leading the way and the other playing catch-up. Either way, fans can expect both quarterbacks to throw for more than 280.5 yards.

Goff had 280 and Darnold 259 in the first matchup, but the Lions’ secondary has been hit hard by injuries, and with David Montgomery sidelined, Detroit probably will not focus as much on the run game.

Jordan Addison, OVER 63.5 Receiving Yards at -110 (via bet365)

OVER 4.5 Receptions at -150 (via bet365)

6+ Receptions at +140 (via bet365)

Yes, I know Justin Jefferson is the man in Minnesota. So, why am I going with Addison’s props? Sam Darnold has been loving him some Jordan Addison the past six games, targeting him no fewer than six times and for a total of 52. Addison has done his part, catching six or more in four of those games, though he topped 63.5 yards in just three.

Still, his chances of going over that number against the injury-riddled Vikings secondary are solid.

Jahymr Gibbs, OVER 87.5 Rushing Yards at -114 (via BetRivers)

OVER 17.5 Rushing Attempts at -122 (via BetRivers)

The Lions have leaned on Gibbs since Montgomery’s injury, and he responded with 100-plus yards in each of the past two games. He had 23 carries against the Bears when Detroit was interested in controlling the ball and running the clock and 18 last week in a track meet vs. the 49ers.

With the Vikings’ defense more concerned about the passing game, Gibbs should find enough running lanes to clear 87.5 yards. It may take until late in the fourth to get the 18th carry, but he’ll get it.

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) while running with the ball during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Top 10 Player Props for NFL Week 10

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Fans and bettors have probably already seen the most exciting game of the Week 10 slate in Thursday night’s Bengals-Ravens game, but that does not mean we take the week off. It just means we find something else to bet on, like the hundred or so player props offered for each game.

We have a lot to get through, so let’s not waste any time. Here are our top 10 player props for Week 10’s Sunday NFL games.

NFL Week 10: Player Props

These are not in any kind of order; we don’t necessarily like the first one any more or less than the last one. But we’d recommend each one. Oh — and be sure to line shop before placing your bet to make sure you are getting the best odds available.

Sam LaPorta O/U 3.5 Receptions at -115/-115

The Detroit Lions tight end was a breakout star in his rookie season last year, with 86 receptions on 120 targets for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. But this season, he just hasn’t been a big part of the gameplan. Other than their season opener against the Rams that went into overtime, he’s been targeted more than three times just twice.

Both of those games were blowout wins. This game should be a relatively close one (especially if C.J. Stroud gets Nico Collins back). The Texans’ defense has limited tight ends to just 24 catches.

Take the UNDER (odds via DraftKings).

Saquon Barkley O/U 103.5 Rushing and Receiving Yards -120/-110 (DraftKings)

Saquon Barkley to record 10+ Rushing Yards in Each Quarter +145 (FanDuel)

Saquon Barkley Longest Rush O/U 17.5 Yards -110/-120 (DraftKings)

The struggle has been all too real for the Cowboys and their defense, which the Eagles and former Giants running back Saquon Barkley will exploit with ease. Dallas has struggled against opposing running backs in several games this season; Barkley is next in line.

However, as bad as the Dallas defense has been, only two running backs have rushed for 100+ yards against them. Bijan Robinson ran for 86 for the Falcons last week but also had 59 receiving yards.

The Eagles appear intent on getting Barkley his touches; he’s averaging 19.6 carries a game. Teams are averaging 4.6 yards per carry against the Dallas D. Barkley has been averaging 5.9, but even if the Cowboys hold him to 4.6, Barkley will break a screen play or two for a long gain to get OVER 103.5 rushing and receiving yards.

The only reason he may not get 10+ rushing yards a carry would be if the game is so well in hand that he sits out the fourth quarter. As for his longest rush, Dallas has given up nine plays of 20+ yards. Between Barkley’s shiftiness and the Cowboys’ inability to tackle, he’ll make it at least 10 (if not 11 or 12).

Take OVER 17.5 yards.

D’Andre Swift O/U 71.5 Rushing Yards at -113/-113 (FanDuel)

D’Andre Swift O/U 17.5 Rushing Attempts at -105/-125 (DraftKings)

Swift didn’t run for 71.5 total yards in the first three games but has since gone over 71.5 in four of five games. Three of those games were wins, and the fourth, they lost because of a Hail Mary. The Patriots have allowed a running back to gain 80 or more yards in their last five games; two did so in one game.

Since the Bears will likely try to take advantage of the Patriots’ run defense and feed Swift the ball, he’ll have no problem going OVER 71.5 yards rushing.

Now, he’s only carried the ball 18+ times in two games. But look for the Bears to take advantage of New England’s poor run defense to help take pressure off Caleb Williams. Opposing teams averaged 35.3 rushing attempts vs. the Patriots in their last three games. Swift will get at least 20 in this game.

Take the OVER for his rushing attempts.

Kyle Pitts O/U 41.5 Receiving Yards at -113/-113 (FanDuel)

Kyle Pitts O/U 3.5 Receptions at -114/-114 (FanDuel)

Pitts had one catch for 11 yards last week vs. Dallas and had no catches against the Saints (three targets) back in Week 4. In the four games in between, he had seven, three, seven, and four catches for 88, 70, 65, and 91 yards. Kirk Cousins will get him involved again facing a Saints defense that is struggling right now.

Take the OVER.

As for his receptions total, before the Dallas game last week, he had more than 3.5 in three of four games. Had he caught a few balls against the Saints, he would have probably been targeted more than three times in that one. If Cousins is going to get him involved, he’ll throw 5-10 passes to Pitts. The tight end should catch at least four.

Take the OVER.

Baker Mayfield O/U 34.5 Pass Attempts -115/-115

Baker Mayfield O/U 0.5 Interceptions

Mayfield has averaged 40.5 attempts per game over his last four, partially because the Buccaneers have had to play catch-up and because they do not run the ball well. Against a 49ers team getting Christian McCaffrey back this week, there is a good chance Tampa Bay will be playing catch-up early and often in this game.

Take the OVER.

In regard to his interception total, when you throw the ball as much as Tampa Bay does, you are bound to throw the occasional pick. Mayfield did not throw one last week but had seven in the previous three games. The 49ers’ defense had two in each of their last three games and at least one in their last five games.

If Mayfield throws the ball 40+ times again, he’s throwing at least one pick against this 49ers defense.

Take the OVER.

–Field Level Media

Feb 1, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) participates in the NFL Pro Bowl Skills Competition at the UCF NIcholson Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Baker Mayfield signs 3-year deal to stay ‘home’ in Tampa

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Baker Mayfield weighed multiple options and soon realized Tampa was “home,” leading to his decision to pass on free agency and sign a three-year deal to return to the Buccaneers.

“God had a plan for me, saw it through, and the group we had made it so special last year — a big reason I wanted to come back here,” Mayfield said Wednesday after putting his autograph on a contract worth up to $115 million.

Mayfield, who turns 29 in April, had options to leave but wouldn’t confirm reports the Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots put offers in front of the former No. 1 draft pick.

“This is life-changing money,” he said when asked if he left money on the table. “I’m not going to act like otherwise.”

Mayfield signed a one-year, $4 million contract a year ago and was told by general manager Jason Licht that he’d need to win the job in a competition with returning quarterback Kyle Trask. He was named the starter over Trask in the preseason and led the Buccaneers to the NFC South division title, a playoff win over the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, and into the fourth quarter of the NFC divisional playoffs at Detroit with a chance to beat the Lions in an eventual 31-23 loss.

Licht credited Mayfield’s leadership, competitiveness and toughness as the reason the offense didn’t sink despite injuries and significant changes on the offensive line.

“He’s a 10 on the prick scale,” Licht said, prompting Mayfield’s ear-to-ear smile.

“I’ll take that. Thank you,” Mayfield said.

After a vagabond existence, going from the Cleveland Browns to Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams within a nine-month span before Licht opened the door to him being Tom Brady’s replacement last March, Mayfield said family was a major factor in re-signing. He shared with Licht and assembled media he was planning to make Tampa his permanent home regardless of the outcome of free agency. He and his wife, Emily, are expecting their first child, a daughter, next month.

“It’s a weight lifted off of our shoulders from the traveling journey that we’ve been on the last couple of years. For us knowing how much we truly loved being here,” Mayfield said. “So it’s a weight lifted off our shoulders — just knowing that we can settle in and truly make a difference whether it’s with the organization and throughout the community, that we can truly be rooted and have a boots-on-the-ground mentality and make a difference and see that through. It’s a special feeling.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrates a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

GM: Bucs must plan for possibility QB Baker Mayfield leaves

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield can begin exploring other options in free agency on Monday, and general manager Jason Licht is preparing to do the same.

Mayfield flourished in 2023 under offensive coordinator Dave Canales, leading Tampa Bay to the NFC South division crown and a wild-card playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

However, a boatload of free agents left Licht with frayed priorities and limited funds, especially after using the franchise tag to retain safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and signing free-agent-to-be Mike Evans to a two-year deal.

Mayfield passed for 4,044 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in the 2023 regular season. He had a pair of 300-yard games in the playoffs, putting up 337 yards and three touchdowns against Philadelphia and 349-3 with two interceptions at Detroit in a 31-23 loss during the divisional playoff round.

Licht remains optimistic the Buccaneers can bring Mayfield back but understands the reality of their predicament.

“As Bruce (Arians) would say, look behind Door No. 2, 3 and 4 and 5. We always feel like we need options,” Licht said Friday.

Mayfield, the No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft, had played for three teams since 2021 (Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams) before he signed a one-year deal in free agency last March.

The Bucs are in active talks with linebacker Lavonte David, another free agent, Licht said.

Evans signed his $52 million deal that runs through 2025 on Friday and gave his two cents on the quarterback situation.

“I think he’s an elite quarterback,” Evans said of Mayfield, assessing his confidence Mayfield will be his quarterback in 2024. “I’m extremely confident. I’m not 100 percent, but he played really great for us last year. The city took him in, the players loved him. Hopefully we get him back, but he should do what’s best for him.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 17, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) is congratulated by quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Bucs focus on re-signing Mike Evans, Baker Mayfield

Posted on | by Field Level Media

INDIANAPOLIS — Keeping quarterback Baker Mayfield and retaining receiver Mike Evans are major priorities for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.

Mayfield was plucked off the scrap heap and put together his top all-around season, while Evans reached 1,000 receiving yards for the 10th straight season, a record at the outset of a career and just one off the overall consecutive seasons mark held by the legendary Jerry Rice.

Evans is a legend with the franchise while Mayfield stands to earn much, much more than the $4 million he received last season.

Negotiations are continuing with the soon-to-be free agent but the Buccaneers also plan to study quarterbacks this week at the NFL Scouting Combine.

“I know he wants to be a Buc. We want him to be a Buc, so that’s usually a good starting point,” Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht said Tuesday. “We want Baker back. Trust me, I can’t go two blocks in Tampa without somebody asking me that and you understand that and I totally understand it.

“He’s been great for our team. He’s been great for the organization and we would love to have Baker.”

Mayfield, 28, has a 40-46 record as a starting quarterback, including stints with the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams. He went 9-8 with the Buccaneers while setting personal bests of 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Evans, 30, caught 13 touchdown passes last season to match Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins for the NFL lead. Evans had 79 catches for 1,255 yards.

“Mike did a heck of a job and he came to work every day,” Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said. “He came to play every day, as you can see as a result from the statistics. And he’s been here for a decade and he’s done the same thing every year.

“He has been very consistent, very dynamic, yet he’s very humble off the field. But he’s a confident player. He’s one of my favorite players. I have a lot of respect for Mike and everything he does and he’s earned what he done.”

Evans just finished a five-year, $82.5 million contract with Tampa Bay.

But extension talks didn’t go well leading up to the 2023 season and the two sides didn’t reach a deal.

Licht declined to discuss where talks stand now.

“He’s an unprecedented player. We want him to be a Buc for life. We’re working towards that,” Licht said. “Obviously it takes two sides. I know he wants to be a Buc. We’ll probably have to strain a little bit (financially) but we’re working towards that right now.”

The Buccaneers also cleared close to $5 million in salary cap space by releasing outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett. The 31-year-old made the Pro Bowl twice in five seasons with Tampa Bay.

“Did not want to make that call,” Licht said. “At the same time I did — I wanted to give him some time here to look for another team if that’s what he wants to do. We can’t officially release him until the beginning of the league year, but he actually calmed me down on the call.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) avoids the tackle by Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu (49) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Bucs’ Baker Mayfield questionable for playoff game, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts fine

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was listed Saturday as questionable for Monday night’s NFC wild-card game against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles.

Mayfield is dealing with ankle and rib injuries. He was a limited practice participant for the second straight day after missing Thursday’s session.

“He’s feeling good, he’s ready to go,” Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said.

Mayfield injured the ribs during a 23-13 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Dec. 31. He injured the ankle last Sunday when the Buccaneers blanked the Carolina Panthers 9-0.

Mayfield set career highs by passing for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns while leading the Buccaneers to a 9-8 record. He also threw 10 interceptions.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is dealing with a dislocated right middle finger but is all set to play. Hurts injured the finger on his throwing hand during last Sunday’s 27-10 loss to the New York Giants.

Hurts was a full practice participant the past two days after being questionable on Thursday.

“He’s fighting through the finger injury, but he had a good practice (Friday), so excited for him and this opportunity. Really excited,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “The energy and the juice in this building today of being here in the playoffs again, we’re really excited. We can’t wait.”

Hurts passed for career highs of 3,858 yards, 23 touchdowns and 15 interceptions this season. He also rushed for a career-high 15 scores.

As expected, receiver A.J. Brown (knee) and safety Sydney Brown (knee) were listed as out for the Eagles. Safety Reed Blankenship (groin) is questionable.

Linebacker K.J. Britt (calf) and defensive back Josh Hayes (quadriceps, knee) also are questionable for Tampa Bay. Defensive tackle Mike Greene was rules out.

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is sacked and fumbles the ball toward the end of the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield sore, but no major injury

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Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield reported to work on Monday with soreness in his right ankle, but testing showed no major injury.

Mayfield plans to be available this week as Tampa Bay (4-7) prepares for the Carolina Panthers (1-10). He had X-rays at Indianapolis on Sunday and an MRI exam on Monday.

“He has a sore ankle. We’ll see how he’s feeling during the week, but it came out negative so that’s a good thing,” head coach Todd Bowles said Monday.

Just one game behind the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints, both 5-6, the Buccaneers are in the thick of the NFC South race despite Sunday’s 27-20 loss to the Colts.

Mayfield, 28, was injured on the opening drive but remained in the game. He got hurt on a designed quarterback sneak.

The Colts sealed the game by forcing a Mayfield fumble in the fourth quarter. He also threw an interception and was sacked six times.

–Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) runs the ball for a first down against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023.

QB Baker Mayfield ‘fine’ for Week 11 despite thumb injury

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield injured his right thumb on Sunday but is not expected to miss time as the Buccaneers prepare to play the San Francisco 49ers this week.

“Yeah, Baker is good,” Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday.

Mayfield threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns and Tampa Bay snapped a four-game losing streak with a 20-6 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Mayfield completed 18 of 29 passes with an interception as the Buccaneers improved to 4-5 and moved within a half-game of first-place New Orleans in the NFC South after the Saints (5-5) lost at Minnesota.

Up next is a matchup with the 49ers (6-3), a team that beat the Buccaneers 35-7 last season.

“We’ve got some things to work on offensively,” Mayfield said, noting the interception was on him for throwing the ball over the middle. “I think we took advantage of different looks (vs. Tennessee).”

Mayfield has 14 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. He won the starting job in a training camp competition with Kyle Trask and has been embraced by Bowles, who noted the progress of pass protection and skill position players producing explosive plays.

“In the last few weeks, even in the losses, we’ve been fighting,” Mayfield said. “It’s a one-game-at-a-time mentality from here on out.

“Guys are really locked in.”

–Field Level Media

Aug 26, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks on against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

First NFL QB benched? Baker Mayfield early favorite

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Baker Mayfield clearly hasn’t silenced all of his doubters.

After renewing his potential with the Los Angeles Rams in five games to close the 2022 season – his third team of the year – Mayfield signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay this offseason and beat out Kyle Trask for the Buccaneers’ starting quarterback job.

However, it was one of the more hotly-contested quarterback battles of the preseason, and Mayfield isn’t promised the job a day longer than the Sept. 10 season opener at Minnesota. Following that, Tampa Bay returns home for two games – first against Chicago and then against reigning NFC champion Philadelphia.

That’s why Mayfield was installed by SportsBetting.ag as the +200 “favorite” to be the first NFL quarterback to lose his starting job this season. He’s ahead of Washington’s first-year starter Sam Howell (+400) and Tennessee veteran Ryan Tannehill (+600).

The book opened the prop market offering odds on 31 NFL teams. The lone exception was the Arizona Cardinals, whose quarterback situation was further muddled by Monday’s release of veteran Colt McCoy.

Josh Dobbs, who was acquired by Arizona from Cleveland last week, and is familiar with coordinator Drew Petzing’s scheme from their time together with the Browns, is now the leading candidate among a group that also includes rookie Clayton Tune along with journeymen David Blough and Jeff Driskell.

FIRST QB BENCHED ODDS
Baker Mayfield (+200)
Sam Howell (+400)
Ryan Tannehill (+600)
C.J. Stroud (+700)
Mac Jones (+700)
Desmond Ridder (+900)
Anthony Richardson (+1000)
Bryce Young (+1200)
Jimmy Garoppolo (+1400)
Jordan Love (+1400)
Matthew Stafford (+1600)
Brock Purdy (+2000)
Jared Goff (+2000)
Derek Carr (+4000)
Geno Smith (+4000)
Justin Fields (+4000)
Kenny Pickett (+4000)
Kirk Cousins (+4000)
Daniel Jones (+5000)
Deshaun Watson (+5000)
Russell Wilson (+5000)
Dak Prescott (+10000)
Joe Burrow (+10000)
Tua Tagovailoa (+20000)
Justin Herbert (+25000)
Trevor Lawrence (+25000)
Aaron Rodgers (+50000)
Jalen Hurts (+50000)
Josh Allen (+50000)
Lamar Jackson (+50000)
Patrick Mahomes (+100000)

The book clearly believes the three rookie starters entering Week 1 will be given a longer leash than veterans who may stumble out of the gate.

C.J. Stroud, who was named the Houston Texans’ starter on Monday, has +700 odds to be the first quarterback benched this season. Indianapolis rookie Anthony Richardson has +1000 odds, followed by Carolina’s Bryce Young at +1200.

Along with Mayfield and Tannehill, there are several situations that bear watching among incumbent quarterbacks.

Mac Jones returns as New England’s starter, but second-year quarterback Bailey Zappe is waiting in the wings should Jones stumble out of the gate. And coach Bill Belichick proved last year that he’s not shy about making a switch if he feels the need.

Somewhat surprising odds belong to Denver’s Russell Wilson at +5000 – making the embattled Broncos quarterback the 11th longest shot to be the first benched this season. Wilson is entering what is likely a make-or-break season under new coach Sean Payton.

Then again, his only real competition is Jarrett Stidham, who has entered the journeyman realm as he joins his third team in as many years and has thrown only 131 total passes through his first three NFL seasons.

The longest odds understandably belong to two-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, who enters the season with +100000 odds to be the first NFL quarterback sent to the bench by his coach this season.

–Field Level Media

Aug 19, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks on against the New York Jets during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Baker Mayfield named Bucs’ starting quarterback

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles on Tuesday named Baker Mayfield as the team’s starting quarterback.

Bowles revealed his decision two days after telling reporters that he didn’t “have a timetable on it.”

Mayfield is receiving the nod over third-year quarterback Kyle Trask for the Buccaneers, who open the season against the host Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 10.

“There’s a lot that goes into it. I can’t sit up here and give you every detail,” Bowles said of his decision, per the Tampa Bay Times. “We go through man training camp (practices) and OTAs and we love everything Kyle has done. He’s gotten leaps and bounds better. And he has in the spring and he’s continuing to get better. And we’re excited about Baker. We like where we’re at right now. Experience wise and his understanding the playbook [is] just a little bit better.”

Mayfield signed a one-year, $4 million contract with Tampa Bay in March as the presumed starter after making three stops during a whirlwind 2022. Traded from the Cleveland Browns to Carolina that offseason, he went 2-8 with 2,163 yards, 10 touchdown passes and eight interceptions with the Panthers and Los Angeles Rams.

Mayfield, 28, is 31-38 as a starter since being drafted with the No. 1 overall pick by Cleveland in 2018.

Trask, 25, has only appeared in one regular-season game since Tampa Bay drafted him in the second round in 2021. He is 3-for-9 passing for 23 yards.

–Field Level Media