Updated: November 18, 2025
- Have we seen the end of FizMagic for this NFL season?
- Vegas believes Jameis Winston will hold the starting job
- We find the value bet in Tampa's rotating QB carousel
The revolving starting quarterback door in Tampa Bay has taken another turn as we enter Week 12. And Vegas believes it will be the final one this year.
After an abysmal performance by Ryan Fitzpatrick in a loss to the equally inept New York Football Giants – a game in which he was pulled – Tampa Bay will be turning the reins over to Jameis Winston in their next game against the 49ers.
Fitzpatrick launches it and…. The Giants don't believe in magic today pic.twitter.com/6XMRLcqVVu
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) November 18, 2018
It's hard to imagine that FitzMagic was a real thing, and propelled Tampa to a thrilling 2-0 start with an explosive offense. Hey, he's the only pivot in the league to hang an L on the Saints this year!
Fitzpatrick kicked off the season on a high note, throwing for over 400 yards in both Week 1 and Week 2.
Against the Saints, he notched an impressive 417 yards with four touchdowns, leading to a thrilling 48-40 victory. His stellar play continued against the Eagles, where he added another 402 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his explosive start.
But this is now the second time he's lost the starting job in just 10 games.
Is it a safe bet to see him with a headset on or clipboard from here on out? Let's look at the odds.
Will Fitzpatrick Get Another Start for the Buccaneers?
| Will Fitzpatrick Start a Game from Week 13 to 17? | Odds at Bovada |
|---|---|
| Yes | +160 |
| No | -130 |
Buccaneers' Offensive Line Performance
The offensive line's performance has been a mixed bag this season. Inconsistent protection has left both QBs vulnerable, contributing to high interception rates and limiting the effectiveness of the offense.
With Fitzpatrick and Winston constantly under pressure, the line's struggles are a key factor in their disappointing 3-7 start.
There's a No. 1 Overall Pick in the Mix
This is a chance for the Bucs to evaluate Winston the rest of the way to see if the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft is a salvageable asset for them.
Jameis Winston says that when he was benched earlier in the season he was determined not to take a day off or mope, but instead to continue preparing for the next opportunity he knew would come.
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) November 21, 2018
Remember, this is a QB who's made a series of poor decisions off the field, that easily dwarf his poor decisions on the field – and that's saying a lot, because on the field he's been awful.
One notable incident was the Uber controversy in 2016, which led to a three-game suspension in 2018.
This setback significantly affected his reputation and standing with the team, casting a shadow over his professional career and contributing to the ongoing quarterback drama in Tampa.
Jameis Winston throws an INTpic.twitter.com/dsOX376GeJ
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 14, 2018
He's alone in third with 11 interceptions this year, even though he's only started three games and appeared in just five.
In a sad twist of fate, he trails only rookie Sam Darnold (14) and Fitzpatrick, who has 12. So Tampa's Rymeis Fitzpanston actually leads the NFL in interceptions with 23. It's actually a miracle that they're 3-7.
The Bucs, trying to decide if they want Ryan Fitzpatrick or Jameis Winston to throw interceptions for them pic.twitter.com/xTRwK6gpB8
— NOTSportsCenter (@NOTSportsCenter) November 18, 2018
The Bucs have picked up Winston's fifth year option for next season, but that's guaranteed only against injury. After mop up duty to regain his starting job, he was bad enough that he surrendered it a few short weeks later.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Draft Options
As the season heads toward its conclusion, the Bucs find themselves pondering their future in the NFL Draft. With eyes on bolstering the offensive line and potentially landing a franchise quarterback, draft strategy will be important.
Prospects like Justin Herbert and standout linemen offer hope as Tampa seeks to rebuild and improve their standings.
There is no incentive for Tampa to win games. Their only incentive is evaluation and the best draft pick possible.
We are Talking About the Bucs, Though
The only reason Fitzpatrick should see the field again is if Winston gets injured. This being the NFL, that is always a possibility.
But what if Winston is a train wreck through the the next three games? What if the Bucs lose to the 49ers, then get crushed by the Panthers and torn to bits by the Saints in the subsequent weeks and Winston is a big negative factor in the L's?
The only reason Fitzpatrick should see the field again is if Winston gets injured. This being the NFL, that is always a possibility.
That might be enough for management to decide right then and there that this is not their QB of the future. An effort to show their fans they want to put out a competitive product could have them turning back to the journeyman pivot Fitzpatrick to close out the year, knowing full well he can be a stopgap into next season while they draft their next QB of the future.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is remarkably consistent. He is the best quarterback in the league right up until the point that it appears he has a firm hold on a starting job, at which point he becomes the worst quarterback in the league. And this cycle repeats every time he steps on a field.
— Yaya Dubin (@JADubin5) November 18, 2018
Impact of Coaching Decisions
Coach Dirk Koetter's handling of the quarterback situation has sparked debate among fans and analysts. His decision to rotate starters has disrupted the flow, affecting team chemistry.
Koetter’s choices in key moments, such as pulling Fitzpatrick mid-game, have been met with both support and criticism as Tampa searches for stability.
The Pick
There's literally no value in picking no – due to the uncertainty of the NFL on a week-to-week basis. While this is more of a recommended stay away, betting yes is expecting continued dysfunction in Tampa Bay (likely), and would make for an interesting side plot while most of the focus in the NFL is ramping up to the playoffs.
The post Odds Say FitzMagic is Finished for Buccaneers in 2018 appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.
Original source: https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/nfl/odds-say-fitzmagic-is-finished-for-buccaneers-in-2018/
