While this is an insanely high number for a normal running back, Christian McCaffrey isn’t a normal running back. Not only is he carrying the heaviest workload in the NFL, but he’s also practically being used as a full time receiver. He’s posted 50+ receiving yards in every single game this season, averaging eight receptions. He’s also 4th in Yards Per Route Run so far this season amongst RBs, meaning he’s been efficient on those touches. 

The other great thing we have going is the Buccaneers' rush defense. Vita Vea and the Buccaneers have been fantastic against opposing backs this year, and when teams struggle on the ground, they start to use the short passing game as an extension of the rushing game.

Cade Otton is another guy who is constantly towards the top of the league in snaps, even if he’s not the most used on offense. Normally they have all these elite weapons like Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, which means he gets pushed to the side with usage. But when they are all out dealing with injury, that’s when Otton steps up the most. He is familiar with the system, and has been here for the whole Baker Mayfield era. With a banged up WR room, I think the tight ends will be more involved. 

The 49ers have struggled with TEs, allowing 6-45 to Brenton Strange, 5-49-1 to Juwan Johnson and 5-43-1 to Trey McBride. With another high usage tight end, I think the 49ers will look to take out Ebuka and allow these underneath passes to the TE. Otton isn’t the biggest name in the world, but I have high expectations given his chemistry with Baker.

Rachaad White really stepped up last week in the absence of Bucky Irving, and I would expect another impressive performance. He was already one of PFF’s highest-rated receiving backs before the injury, and with Irving out, it was on full display last week. Pretty much any running back that plays with Baker Mayfield will benefit from the increased passing attack and check-down opportunities. 

He also gets another good matchup with the 49ers, who run a ton of zone for passes in the flats to the running backs. He posted an 80% snap rate last game and was the clear Rb1 despite Sean Tucker. When Tucker does play, it will mostly be early downs, which means he won’t steal much passing down work.

Tez Johnson might be the sleeper people are forgetting about, making his first official start with the absence of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. With defenses stepping up to focus on Emeka Egbuka, who had been elite, I would expect guys like Johnson to benefit most. While he is young, he had a good camp and looks to be earning trust with the starters. 

Last week he ran 19 routes & posted 4/59 on four targets (3.11 YPRR). He looks comfortable out there and clearly has the speed required to make plays. In college ,he was PFF’s #1 graded NCAA WR in 2022, and is used to handling a heavy workload if needed. 

Baker Mayfield should be fairly desperate for targets, but he’s made almost everyone he’s played with look awesome. I think the Buccaneers will once again be forced to throw the ball plenty, and some of the less big names will be there to step up.