Who Should I Start? Alexander Mattison or Bucky Irving

Thursday, March 13, 9:35 PM

Former Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison is signing an undisclosed deal on Thursday with the Miami Dolphins, sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Earlier in the day, former Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert signed with the Raiders in free agency. The 26-year-old Mattison joined the Raiders in 2024 after spending his first five years in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings. He eventually took over the lead-back role from a disappointing Zamir White and carried the ball 132 times for 420 yards and four touchdowns (a career-low 3.2 yards per tote) in 14 games (seven starts), adding a career-high 36 catches for 294 yards and another score. Mattison's move to Miami is a big downgrade, as he'll merely be competing for a change-of-pace role with Jaylen Wright behind unquestioned starter De'Von Achane. He'll be avoidable in most fantasy drafts this fall.

Monday, January 13, 12:53 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving rushed for 77 yards on 17 carries during Sunday's playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. He also caught two passes for an additional six yards through the air. In the loss, Irving averaged his lowest yards per carry since Week 9 (excluding his injury-shortened Week 14), which is not an indictment on his performance but rather a testament to just how well he's been running the football lately. He carved out the lead-back role once again on Sunday, registering 17 carries to Rachaad White's one. White has essentially been delegated to pass-catching situations, and even then, he continues to lose opportunities to Irving. It has been fascinating to watch this backfield dynamic develop throughout the season, with White slipping way down from the RB1 tier in fantasy football while Irving becomes one of the top running backs in dynasty fantasy football (and a mid-range RB1 in redraft leagues, too). Barring an unexpected change or addition within the Buccaneers' backfield, Irving should remain their primary ball carrier entering 2025.