Who Should I Start? Ameer Abdullah or Bucky Irving

Saturday, December 21, 2:55 AM

The Las Vegas Raiders will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16 in what is an easy matchup for running backs in fantasy. Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah will probably split volume with RB Alexander Mattison (neck), and Abdullah presents the more interesting option in fantasy football, since he seems to have more pass-catching upside. The 31-year old rushed three times for just eight yards in Week 15, but caught all seven of his targets for 58 yards and a touchdown. JAX has one of the league's most porous defenses. These factors make the 10th-year pro an intriguing option in deeper PPR leagues as an RB3/FLEX, but starting anyone from this backfield in fantasy football carries plenty of risk.

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.