Emeka Egbuka Week 1 Fantasy Football Expectations

Emeka Egbuka is reportedly a full go for Week 1, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Cincinnati Bengals.

After dealing with a toe injury during the preseason, Egbuka is expected to start. Since returning to practice, he has looked close to full speed and strength and should be ready for a full workload.

The 2025 first-round pick led Tampa Bay in receiving as a rookie, and is in line to be the team’s No. 1 receiver once again. Franchise legend Mike Evans is now in San Francisco, opening up more opportunity for Egbuka.

Egbuka was a fourth-round pick in most fantasy drafts, but his preseason health concerns have dampened expectations. How should fantasy football managers approach Egbuka in their Week 1 lineups?

What to Expect from Emeka Egbuka in Week 1: Fantasy Football

Jalen McMillan is listed as doubtful for the Buccaneers, which could funnel more targets towards Egbuka. However, the second-year receiver has a difficult matchup ahead.

Cincinnati’s secondary is its strength, and the defense should be much improved from last year. DJ Turner II was quietly elite last season, and is playing for a new contract. Dax Hill was also a brightspot for Al Golden’s defense. Either corner will test Egbuka on the perimeter, especially as he ramps back up after injury.

This matchup is much more favorable for Chris Godwin Jr. in the slot and Tampa Bay’s running backs, Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell. The Bengals are starting Jalen Davis at slot corner, and have one of the least experienced linebacker units in the league. The Buccaneers will likely attack those positions early, while Turner shadows Egbuka on the perimeter.

Based off last season, most NFL fans would expect a shootout between Tampa Bay and Cincinnati. However, each team made big additions to its defense this offseason. The Bengals are also known for slow starts under Zac Taylor, which could make this a lower-scoring affair than expected. 

Long-term, Egbuka’s fantasy football prospects are strong for this season. Based off of the draft investment required to land Egbuka, he is still likely a start this week. Do not be surprised, though, if Egbuka gets off to a somewhat slower start. His weekly projections are on the lower double-digits, which feels right, but Egbuka’s boom potential is not as high facing off against Turner and Hill.

Projection (PPR Formats): 

Sleeper: 12.85 fantasy points

ESPN: 14.04 fantasy points

Prediction: Under

Verdict: Low-end start