Week 10 vs. Chicago
Mike Evans caught 11 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns last week in a performance some might call good. He leads the league with 103 targets (by a pretty large margin) and is close to the only receiver Jameis Winston trusts at this point.
Evans is a WR1 regardless of the matchup, but it's always beneficial when it's a favorable one as it is this week. Evans faces a Bears defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing wideouts. Evans is an absolute must-start play this week.
Week 9 vs. Atlanta
After some dominating games, we were disappointed last week with Mike Evans' performance. He caught just four passes for 50 yards in a favorable matchup against the Raiders. He'll look to bounce back this week against the Falcons, a team he took advantage of in Week 1 (5-99-1).
Don't be discouraged by his efforts last week. Evans is still a target machine, and the most talented receiver on Tampa Bay. He should find success against a favorable Falcons defense, and will be a must-start WR1 play.
Week 8 vs. Oakland
As expected, it's become the Mike Evans show in Tampa Bay. With no other real threats at receiver, Evans is getting all of the targets, all of the yards and all of the touchdowns.
We like Evans again this week in a great matchup against the Raiders. This game could end up being an offensive shootout, and Evans would benefit the most for the Bucs. There's not much to say other than he's a must-start WR1, and could end up being the week's highest scorer at the position.
Week 7 at San Francisco
Even after a bye week, Mike Evans is still third in the league in overall targets (62). He's been extremely dominant this season, and we see no reason for him to decline. In fact, with Vincent Jackson sidelined, he may be featured even more, if that's possible.
He draws a favorable matchup against the 49ers in Week 7, so there's no reason to dislike him this week. He should be viewed as a must-start WR1 play.
Week 5 vs. Carolina
Mike Evans leads the league in targets (50), which is kind of unexpected. He's turning those targets into production as he's been a top-10 receiver in pretty much every category.
This week Evans will face a Carolina secondary that just allowed 300 yards to Julio Jones. We don't expect that production from Evans, but it does open the door for a big day.
Evans should be viewed as a strong WR1 this week.
Week 4 vs. Denver
The Bucs have thrown the ball 50+ times in back-to-back weeks, and that's led to 39 targets for Mike Evans, which is second in the league. Evans has turned those targets into production as he's fifth in receiving yards (301), fourth in receptions (21) and second in receiving touchdowns (3).
Evans will get a difficult matchup against the Broncos' secondary this week, but don't let that scare you too much. There's a chance he gets shut down, but you don't want to bench someone who has been so good through three games.
Evans is a must-start WR1 option this week.
Week 3 vs. Los Angeles
Mike Evans saw an insane 18 targets last week, and came away with six receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown. That's solid production, and it's clear Jameis Winston loves to look in Evans' direction, so owners should feel comfortable with that. It's also worth noting Evans has caught a touchdown in back-to-back games, and is just one TD away from tying last season's total.
Based on his targets, it's clear Evans will put up some type of production this week, but he does have a tough matchup. The Rams haven't allowed a touchdown to a receiver through two games, and have allowed the fourth-fewest overall points to the position.
We like Evans as a WR2 this week in the tough matchup.
Week 1 at Arizona
Mike Evans finished 5-99-1 on seven targets, which is a really good day at the office. The tall receiver made an athletic touchdown grab, reaching one-third of last season's total.
Evans will get a difficult matchup this week against Patrick Peterson and the Cardinals secondary. The Bucs may look to throw shorter, quick passes to Evans rather than the long bombs he had in Week 1 against Atlanta.
We like Evans as a WR1 play this week due to his big-play ability and potential production.
Week 1 at Atlanta
Mike Evans had more receptions and yards last season than his rookie campaign, but he had a dramatic drop off in touchdowns (12 to 3). Evans would appear to be a great red zone threat given his size.
If his goal is to improve on those numbers, Evans might have to wait a bit. He gets a tough matchup in the first week against the Falcons, a team he had some trouble with in 2015. Still, given his athletic ability and his role in this offense, Evans should be viewed as a low-end WR1 option in all formats.
Fantasy Upside
Mike Evans had an increase in receptions (74) and receiving yards (1,206) in his sophomore season compared to his rookie year. He's become a favorite target of quarterback Jameis Winston's, and the two have continued to develop their chemistry in the offseason.
Fantasy Downside
Evans had a huge dropoff in touchdowns last season (3) compared to his rookie year (12). He's a big enough target that he should be better at scoring when the team gets near the goal line. Evans also has a problem with drops, as he led the league (according to SportingCharts) with 11 total dropped passes.
Bottom Line
Evans will see plenty of targets thrown in his direction, and now we have to see if he's worked on his drops. Even if the drops continue, Evans should be a borderline WR1 option this upcoming season.
