Who Should I Start? Alexander Mattison or Bucky Irving

Saturday, December 21, 2:52 AM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (neck) is expected to play in Week 16, when his team will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars. We're just a few games away from finally wrapping up the rollercoaster of misery that has been the Raiders backfield in 2024. With RB Zamir White (quad) still on injured reserve and Sincere McCormick (ankle) out for the season, it looks like Mattison will split touches with fellow RB Ameer Abdullah. It's hard to say which one will out-snap the other, but having watched the Raiders this season, it will probably be some kind of committee. We don't expect Mattison to have a ton of fantasy value, as it appears Abdullah is the better pass-catcher, and neither will have a ton of TD upside. The former Minnesota Viking should probably be left on the bench.

Friday, December 20, 5:12 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (hip, back) is ready to go for Week 16 after getting through a full practice session on Friday. Irving was limited during the first two practice sessions of the week, but has been removed from the injury report after getting in a full session to end the week. Irving has rushed for over 70 yards in four of his last five games. Irving has two 100-plus yard games in two of his last three outings. The only thing holding him back is the fact that he remains in a committee with Rachaad White in the backfield. Despite that, Irving should still be able to produce high-end RB2 value for the Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.