Jaron Spor, James Yarcho, and former NFL player Marcus Ray break down post-bye expectations for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — from trade deadline possibilities to wide receiver news, including a potential return for Jalen McMillan.

At the bye week, we take a look at the performances of some key players on the Buccaneers and hand out grades With some big names getting some poor scores compared to what they normally get, one player surprises us with a perfect A+ score How did the team grade out overall?

Jaron Spor, James Yarcho, and former NFL player Marcus Ray will break down everything from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ statement win over the New Orleans Saints. The guys react to how the Bucs took control of the NFC South matchup, what it says about this team heading into the bye, and whether Tampa Bay might actually be emerging as a real contender in the NFC. They also dive deep into Baker Mayfield’s recent performance — is he playing hurt, or is he starting to slump? Plus, the crew runs through key injury updates, which positions need reinforcements, and hands out full team grades at the bye week — offense, defense, coaching, and beyond. It’s an honest, in-depth look at where the Buccaneers truly stand halfway through the season and what fans should expect coming out of the bye.

The Bucs defense has taken over as the dominant side of the ball, carrying the Bucs to their win over the Saints Jason Licht isn't known for big time trades, but this is a team where he needs to take his shot to put them over the top in the NFC We're handing out mid-season awards - who has been the biggest surprise? Biggest overachiever? And who will have the second half breakout?

The Buccaneers head into the bye week at 6-2 after a dominating defensive performance against the New Orleans Saints Anthony Nelson had a career game while Antoine Winfield Jr. had a historic milestone stripped away by incompetent officiating The Bucs' offense struggled. What's the core issue plaguing them right now?

The Buccaneers look to stay on top of the NFC South as well as stay among the top teams in the NFL Sunday against the Saints Emeka Egbuka's role on this team has changed and he's in prime position to answer the call and become a leader The Bucs struggle against running backs in the passing game as well as tight ends - so how do they slow down two of the Saints' most prolific playmakers?

The Bucs will be without Mike Evans and Haason Reddick, but the loss of Saints' center Erik McCoy could play a massive role Baker has the chance to bounce back against the Saints while Spencer Rattler looks for his own redemption from week seven

Should Baker Mayfield's performance against Detroit be concerning moving forward this season? And how will the Bucs recover from the loss of Mike Evans? A tough divisional matchup that the Bucs need to win before the bye week - how do they get the job done in New Orleans?

Mike Evans appears to have been lost for the season with a broken clavicle, ending his bid to break Jerry Rice's record Baker Mayfield was the worst we've seen since joining the Bucs, missing open receivers and stalling the offense against a makeshift Lions secondary

Mike Evans is expected to make his return, but Emeka Egbuka now has a chance to return this week after injuring his hamstring in week six Baker Mayfield gets to face a Lions secondary of all backups. If they can contain Aiden Hutchinson, Baker should have a huge game Monday Night Football predictions

If Mike Evans returns for the Buccaneers this week against a makeshift Lions secondary, he opens everything up for Baker Mayfield Last year, Hutchinson got five sacks against the Bucs. They can not allow him to be a one man machine for Detroit's defense Jamel Dean vs Amon-Ra St. Brown is the biggest matchup of the day

After moving to 5-1 with a huge list of key players out, are the Bucs the best team in the NFL? Facing the Lions is hard enough. Facing them after a loss makes that hill a lot more steep. How do the Bucs win on Monday night? Is Tez Johnson in line for a big game under the bright lights?

The Bucs have already ruled out Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving against the Lions, but Mike Evans, Zyon McCollum, and Benjamin Morrison are in play to return Rachaad White has been taking care of business in Bucky's absence - and he'll be vital against the Lions The Bucs' pass rush is much better than people are giving them credit for

The Buccaneers move to an NFC best 5-1 after beating the 49ers 30-19 without their four biggest playmakers on offense Baker Mayfield continues his case to be the NFL's MVP with another incredible performance while shorthanded Jamel Dean has been playing out of his mind this season and is one of the best corners in the league

Chris Godwin and Zyon McCollum join Mike Evans, Benjamin Morrison, and Bucky Irving as players out for this game while the 49ers will be without Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall once again Christian McCaffrey has been a menace in the passing game - so how do the Bucs slow him down? Emeka Egbuka has been sensational - which is exactly why the Niners will try to limit his chances. Could this be the Cade Otton breakout game we've been waiting for?

Are Baker Mayfield and Emeka Egbuka the NFL's best quarterback and wide receiver duo this season? Both the Bucs and Niners have been ravaged by injury, but they have both overcome adversity to reach 4-1 Stopping Christian McCaffrey will be the key to winning this one if the Bucs are going to snap a four game losing streak to San Fran

The Buccaneers' defense isn't close to as bad as what we saw on Sunday against the Seahawks and it will be better moving forward The offense that is missing Mike Evans, Bucky Irving, and Luke Goedeke right now is still buzzing thanks to Emeka Egbuka and Baker Mayfield Stopping Christian McCaffrey in the run game may not be a problem - in the passing game, however, could be an issue

Once again, the Buccaneers find a way to win a game in the final minute as they defeat the Seahawks 38-35 Emeka Egbuka cements his place among the top of the 2025 rookie class with an explosive performance in his home town The defense for Tampa was atrocious - but it's not a reason to panic

The Buccaneers will be without five key players in their game against Seattle including Bucky Irving, Jamel Dean, and Benjamin Morrison Rachaad White has the chance to really help boost the Bucs in this one as a dangerous pass catching running back against a defense that struggles against those Jacob Parrish has quietly been one of the best rookies in the NFL - but this week can really shine against Seattle.

As the Bucs appear to be getting more injured, the Seahawks are getting more healthy - so how will that effect Sunday's game? Emeka Egbuka is the favorite for rookie of the year right now and he's going to be playing in front of his hometown crowd - the Bucs have to rely on him to get things going offensively There's success to be found when sending numerous blitzes after Sam Darnold right now