RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Start in 14+ Team Leagues (Start if Rachaad White doesn't play)
POSITIONAL VALUE: RB3/RB4
ANALYSIS: Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is a hot topic in fantasy football discussion right now. He's proven to be a far more efficient runner than lead-back Rachaad White and has several highlight-reel plays under his belt already. NFL viewers have gawked at his elusiveness in space.
Bucky Irving literally tore that man’s ACL 😬 pic.twitter.com/PbDuXSGuI8 https://t.co/zuw98qDwDT
— ً (@Racermf) September 25, 2024
Irving was one of the most elusive running backs in college football, so this isn't a surprise. Short area quickness, jukes, and change of direction are his bread and butter.
College RBs to post a YPA of 6.5+ and an Elusive Rating over 150 in a single season since 2018 (min 150 Att)
Bucky Irving*
DeWayne McBride (2x)
Javonte Williams
Travis Etienne
Darell Henderson* Entering 2024 Draft
Not the worst group to be a part of, definitely not the… pic.twitter.com/tDWyX8ZGf2
— First And Inches (@1standinches_) February 21, 2024
That said, it's tough to recommend to start him. It's likely his best-case scenario is a 50/50 split with White, and that hasn't even materialized yet. Irving has earned more playing time, sure, but he's not on track to becoming a workhorse RB. He'll still complement White in the backfield.
Additionally, Irving is dealing with a hamstring injury. While it's not considered to be serious -- Irving has stated that he expects to play against the Philadelphia Eagles in their upcoming game -- a running back in a committee with a hamstring injury is a tough player to start.
Irving shouldn't be started yet except in very deep leagues. He's a player you absolutely want to stash on your bench, though. He could have some big games down the stretch when he faces soft defenses (Weeks 12-14 look juicy!) but for now, there are better players to start.
However, if White is unable to go, Irving is worth a start in 12+ team leagues, though it's risky.
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