Fantasy Upside
Mike Evans finished with another 1,000-yard season in 2017, his fourth consecutive since entering the league. He continues to be the top option in the Bucs’ offense in 2018. What does being the top option mean? It means averaging 9.1 targets per game, which he did just a season ago. Evans has proven to be a threat in the past with two 12-touchdown seasons, and he’s had at least 70 receptions in each of the last three seasons.
Fantasy Downside
While Evans did finish with 1,000 yards last year, it certainly didn’t feel like a good season. He had just five touchdowns, and only one of those scores came after Week 7. He only had one 100-yard performance in 2017, making the majority of his production just so-so.
Evans may be the No. 1 option in this offense, but he has some competition for targets in DeSean Jackson, upcoming wideout Chris Godwin and of course Tampa’s two talented tight ends. Oh yeah, and Tampa’s starting quarterback, Jameis Winston, is out for the first three games of the season, which ultimately damages Evans’ value.
2018 Bottom Line
Evans is one of the most talented WRs in the league right now, but he doesn’t always produce like it. If he can improve on his red zone and goal-line numbers (he caught 5-of-19 targets inside the 20 in 2017) then he’d really be a threat. But if his numbers end up being similar to last season, owners are going to feel bad for reaching for him at his current ADP. Evans is a good WR option, but he may be too pricey in most fantasy drafts this season.