Monday night in Kansas City promises excitement as the Chiefs, fresh off a win streak and armed with new recruit DeAndre Hopkins, host a Buccaneers team struggling through injuries. With fantasy enthusiasts eyeing potential value plays, standout options in the Underdog Fantasy Pick’em lineups include Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton and Chiefs rookie Xavier Worthy, each primed to make an impact.
Cade Otton: Targeted Opportunity Amid Buccaneers’ Offensive Woes
Cade Otton, Tampa Bay’s tight end, steps into the spotlight as one of the most crucial offensive weapons for Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers. Missing core receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Tampa’s passing attack will likely rely on Otton’s ability to find space in Kansas City’s defensive backfield.
The game script suggests Otton could receive steady volume in both the open field and red zone. With defenses zeroing in on the Buccaneers’ short-handed offensive lineup, Otton is positioned to benefit from single coverage and creative play designs that push him into favorable matchups. According to projections, Otton is expected to exceed 9.95 fantasy points — with multiple ways to reach this mark through yards, receptions, and touchdowns.
Otton’s projected fantasy output on Underdog Fantasy shows significant value. Recent data from Stokastic’s DFS projections, considered a reliable indicator in the fantasy world, places Otton’s expected score at three points above the current Underdog line. In other words, injuries across Tampa’s roster are likely to elevate Otton’s target share and red-zone opportunities, making him a strong option for fantasy players tonight.
Key Points Supporting Otton’s Higher Fantasy Potential
- Increased Target Share: Missing receivers Evans and Godwin make Otton a primary option for Mayfield, especially in the red zone.
- Red Zone Magnet: With a physical presence, Otton can capitalize on any scoring opportunities as the Buccaneers try to break through Kansas City’s defense.
- Multiple Game Script Flexibility: Otton’s fantasy potential remains strong across various game scripts, whether Tampa takes an early lead or plays from behind.
Xavier Worthy: Primed for Big Plays Against Tampa Bay’s Weak Secondary
On the Chiefs’ side, rookie Xavier Worthy could be in line for an impressive night as well. With the Buccaneers’ secondary struggling and allowing nearly 274 passing yards per game, Worthy’s big-play capabilities make him a compelling pick for fantasy players seeking explosive upside. His projection on Underdog Fantasy highlights his potential to exceed a longest reception of 17.5 yards — a line that could be shattered with a single well-timed pass from Patrick Mahomes.
Kansas City’s multi-faceted offense, anchored by Mahomes, has been bolstered with the addition of Hopkins, but Worthy still holds appeal as a speedster who can slip past defenses while drawing less attention than Hopkins or Travis Kelce. With Tampa’s defense focused on covering the Chiefs’ top targets, Worthy’s role as a deep threat positions him to exploit Tampa’s secondary, where blown coverages and missed tackles have been a recurring issue.
The young receiver’s fantasy value lies in his ability to convert low-volume targets into high-yardage gains. Worthy may only need one or two catches to eclipse the 17.5-yard mark, given his penchant for running precise routes and creating separation. Mahomes and Worthy need just a single opening to make an impact.
Why Worthy is a Smart Fantasy Pick for Longest Reception
- Weak Opponent Secondary: The Buccaneers’ secondary ranks among the worst in the league, allowing high yardage in passing games.
- Explosive Play Potential: Worthy’s speed and route-running could turn a single reception into a 20+ yard gain, meeting or exceeding his line on the first attempt.
- Unpredictable Play Schemes: With other high-profile players demanding coverage, Worthy has the freedom to get open on deep routes for Mahomes.
A Look at the Monday Night Fantasy Landscape
Tonight’s Chiefs-Buccaneers matchup holds several potential storylines. Kansas City’s offense, directed by Andy Reid, could adopt various approaches to weaken Tampa’s defense. They might lean on short-yardage plays featuring Kareem Hunt and Travis Kelce, or they could adopt an aggressive downfield approach, taking shots at a depleted Buccaneers secondary. Each scenario bodes well for Worthy’s fantasy potential.
Meanwhile, Tampa’s offense will be working with a limited playbook due to injuries. This scenario favors Otton’s fantasy projections, as the Buccaneers will likely rely on quick passes and controlled plays to keep the ball moving against Kansas City’s defense. With Tampa playing catch-up, the volume of pass attempts may further bolster Otton’s point total.
Player |
Team |
Fantasy Prediction |
|---|---|---|
Cade Otton |
Buccaneers |
Higher than 9.95 points |
Xavier Worthy |
Chiefs |
Longer than 17.5 yards |
For those building lineups on Underdog Fantasy, both Otton and Worthy offer exciting upside given the circumstances. With Otton expected to see more targets due to Tampa’s offensive void and Worthy having the big-play potential against a weak defense, each player presents a unique pathway to fantasy success.
The outcome of tonight’s game could hinge on these emerging talents, showcasing the evolving landscape of the NFL and the thrill of fantasy sports. Whether you’re hoping for Otton’s consistency or Worthy’s game-breaking reception, tonight’s action in Kansas City promises no shortage of suspense.
