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FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast fantasy football takes on Baker Mayfield

Every source-backed podcast insight STACKED has extracted from FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast about Baker Mayfield.

27
Insights
18
Positive
6
Negative
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All FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast insights about Baker Mayfield

PositiveProjectionJun 25, 2026
Tony Ayo identifies Baker Mayfield as a dark horse MVP candidate at plus-5,500 odds—the darkest of dark horses. He argues Mayfield is statistically capable (threw for 4,541 yards two years ago, which is an MVP-caliber line), is playing for a contract at a critical fork-in-the-road moment, and could easily win his division and make the playoffs if the Buccaneers put together a good season. Mayfield has talent around him (Godwin, McMillan, and depth in the receiving corps), though it's harder without Mike Evans. Mayfield is also a visible, established media figure (All-State commercial guy, household name), which is crucial for an MVP award that is fundamentally a media award.
PositiveProjectionNo date
Baker Mayfield, when he's an underdog, counted out, or playing for a contract, produces at a high level. The Buccaneers are rolling the dice with him but guaranteeing production from the QB position. The source notes he plays 'like his hair's on fire' and is fun to watch, though his reckless playing style raises durability concerns. He hasn't signed a long-term deal yet because the organization wants to see him stay healthy before committing multi-year money. His underdog mentality and contract motivation should drive strong 2025 production.
PositiveProjectionNo date
Expected to play without a deal in 2026, which is a positive indicator for his fantasy performance. Source states: 'you always want to bet on Mayfield when he has a fire under his bat... This is when he always plays his best ball.' Source is moving him up in fantasy rankings specifically because playing without a contract will motivate him to prove doubters wrong, which is his pattern. This doesn't necessarily translate to team wins for the Buccaneers, but Mayfield individually should perform at a higher level.