Jameis Winston has certainly gone through his share of ups and downs in terms of rookie struggles. Turnovers have been an issue as Winston has seven touchdowns for seven interceptions and three fumbles. Winston is aware that he must continue to try and improve if Tampa Bay is going to start winning games. While the Buccaneers have solid options in the receiving game, running backs Doug Martin and Charles Sims could become his safety blankets.
Martin is getting back into the fantasy football good graces, but Sims is proving to be just as good in the backup role. With 405 rushing yards on the season, Martin is the Tampa Bay workhorse. However, Sims is a viable threat with 135 yards on the ground along with 193 yards through the air. According to ESPN.com, Sims has been earning double-digit points in their leagues for three straight games now as he is helping bail out Winston in the passing game. While his production may be inconsistent, it is certainly worth taking a gamble on as the Buccaneers prepare to face the Washington Redskins.
The Buccaneers could be without tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins in Week 7 which would make Sims even more important. According to Andre Astleford of ESPN, the tight end is still dealing with shoulder issues as the bye week did not get him healthy. The Buccaneers are hopeful that he is close to getting back on the field, but until then Sims might be the go-to option in short-yardage situations.
Tampa Bay is trying to get Winston and Mike Evans to connect better. Right now Vincent Jackson is leading the team in receiving yards, but the Buccaneers know that Evans is equally as important. The two have yet to make the big impact on the offense like Tampa Bay was hoping, but Winston is confident it is coming soon.
"We just need to get Mike started," offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said, via ESPN.com. "He's fine. We just need to get him started. He missed that first game. We threw him a bunch of balls in the Houston game, and we were inconsistent throwing and catching that game. He missed some practice time. We've just got to get him started. But when you have multiple guys that need touches, it doesn't always work out perfect. We've got to do what we've got to do to try to win games."
In Week 7, Sims is a player to take a gamble on over someone like Evans. With Martin and Sims seeing equal time on the field, both players could have a big game against the Redskins while Winston develops as a passer.
