Who Should I Start? Alvin Kamara or Bucky Irving

Tuesday, June 10, 9:06 PM

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (groin) was taking part in the team's mandatory minicamp practice on Tuesday. After missing voluntary organized team activities recently, Kamara is back on the field with the Saints. The 29-year-old five-time Pro Bowler missed the final three games of the 2024 season with a groin injury, but he looks to be over the injury and should be a full-go for training camp this summer. The former third-rounder (67th overall) in 2017 surprisingly has never topped 1,000 yards rushing in his eight NFL campaigns, but he makes up for it in fantasy with his pass-catching prowess. Kamara has had at least 47 receptions in all eight seasons, which gives him a higher fantasy ceiling than most, especially in PPR leagues. Even though the Saints' offense could be mediocre given their QB situation, Kamara should be in play as an RB2 given his expected volume.

Thursday, June 26, 6:10 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving, who is expected to see more opportunities in 2025, has improved his footwork and pass protection, according to head coach Todd Bowles. "He got to where he needed to be, but his footwork wasn't always the cleanest last season," Bowles says. "He's cleaned that up." Despite only "starting" three games in 2024, Irving finished as the RB13 in point-per-reception scoring in fantasy in his rookie season by racking up 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 207 rushing attempts. He added 47 receptions on 52 targets for 392 yards through the air. The 22-year-old makes up for his lack of size and athleticism with excellent vision and a knack for breaking tackles in open space. The primary concern with Irving as it pertains to being a true RB1 is the question of whether he can be a true workhorse back and withstand all the physical punishment between the tackles.