Tom Brady Ties Buccaneers Passing Record, and Seals Fantasy Championships
As the clock ticked well into the fourth quarter, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looked like they may be drawing dead, very possibly losing, and in turn, missing their chance to represent the NFC South during the NFL playoffs. A surprisingly effective Sam Darnold was delivering quite possibly his best game of the year, but would all be for naught as quarterback Tom Brady heaved a ball that traveled 50 air yards to Mike Evans for a 63-yard touchdown, marking the beginning of the comeback and, ultimately, a 2022 season NFC South title.
The team would go on to win 30-24, thanks in large part to yet another Mike Evans receiving touchdown, and would win many-a fantasy championships along the way.
Fantasy Box Score Recap
This game ended up being a fantastic day for fantasy success in most leagues' championship weekend, and the root of so much of it was Tom Brady's willingness to uncork the deep ball in a way that we have not seen this season. The 45-year-old QB had his highest aDOT (8.1) since Week 12 and had long touchdowns of 30, 57, and 63 yards; all of which went to Evans, leading the receiver to finish the week as the overall WR1 with a ridiculous 10-207-3 stat line and marking his ninth straight 1,000+ yard season. Brady was incredible beyond just Evans as well, finishing the day with a 75.6% completion rate, 432 yards without an interception, those three Evans scores, and a rushing TD, turning in an overall QB1 performance, depending on what happens with Monday Night Football.
The passing volume was enough for Chris Godwin to turn in a WR1 day on nine receptions for 120 yards, and both Rachaad White and Leonard Fournette delivered decent RB3-type days with their combined nine receptions. Pretty good day at the office, unless you were the one playing **against these Bucs pieces.
Speaking of opponents, the Panthers' slim playoff hopes are now dashed but Sam Darnold also had a game worth mentioning, as his 341 yards passing with three touchdowns not only tied a career-high, it was also the first time he eclipsed 300 yards since October 3rd, 2021. His 21.6, QB8 performance was easily his most on the season, and he was able to support a WR5 week for D.J. Moore (6-117-1 on nine targets) and a WR13 week for Shi Smith (4-70-1).
What's Next?
When the Panthers now completely out of the playoffs, their current first-round pick for the 2023 NFL Draft is projected somewhere in the range of 10th overall, and a loss in Week 18 would only improve that positioning, so we'll have to keep an eye on news reports to see if they're starting everyone next week. As for the Buccaneers, their eight wins have secured a playoff appearance, and they are locked into the number four seed regardless of what happens next week.
Tampa Bay obviously has big-name aging veterans, so, while it may be unlikely that they all sit, there's a very good chance they don't play the entire game. It might be best to avoid both NFC South options in fantasy football for Week 18.
