Who Should I Start? Bijan Robinson or Bucky Irving

Wednesday, June 4, 2:38 PM

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson had an impressive season of production in 2024, compiling 1,456 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns to go along with 431 receiving yards and one score through the air. However, the former first-round pick out of Texas wants more explosive runs in 2025. "We're done with 30-yard runs and all that stuff," Robinson said. "Now it's time to get those 60 yards, 50 yards. So, I've been doing a lot more explosive drills. I've been doing a lot more running -- 100 yards, like sprinting." A season ago, Robinson ranked just 22nd in runs of 20-plus yards (five) despite ranking fourth in rushing attempts (304). If he can consistently add this element to his game and score on long touchdown runs, he could be this year's overall RB1 in fantasy football. Robinson is a clear first-round pick in all formats entering his third NFL campaign.

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.