Who Should I Start? Bucky Irving or Ashton Jeanty


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
17.7 62.2 0.7 3.6 26.5 0.1

Bucky Irving News

Bucky Irving Undergoes Offseason Shoulder Surgery

Monday, February 16, 2:21 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) had offseason surgery on his shoulder, according to JoeBucsFan.com. Irving missed seven straight games last year from Weeks 5 through 12 with ankle and shoulder injuries. His ankle healed before his shoulder. The good news is that Irving's recovery and rehab are not expected to significantly impact his offseason preparation. Irving had 1,122 rushing yards and 5.4 yards per carry as a rookie in 2024, but his production dropped in Year 2 due to his injuries, as he finished with 588 rushing yards (3.4 yards per carry). The 23-year-old could have a bigger role in Tampa's backfield next season with Rachaad White not expected to return in free agency, although the Bucs will probably prioritize adding RB depth after Irving's injury issues in 2025. Irving will have bounce-back potential for fantasy managers this year, but he'll also carry injury risk as an RB2 target.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
16.9 72.0 0.8 2.6 18.6 0.1

Ashton Jeanty News

Ashton Jeanty Not in Line for Workhorse Role in 2026?

Thursday, February 26, 9:27 AM

Las Vegas Raiders new head coach Klint Kubiak plans to use a committee backfield in his first year at the helm in 2026, saying that "it's important for Ashton Jeanty to have a wingman." "We definitely want to have a two-man show," Kubiak added. It's bad news for Jeanty's already declining fantasy football value after a disappointing showing in his rookie season. Kubiak split the load at RB last year with the Seattle Seahawks, too, using Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet in tandem on the way to a Super Bowl championship. Jeanty, the sixth overall pick last April out of Boise State, averaged just 3.7 yards per carry for 975 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 266 carries in 17 regular season games in a bad Raiders offense. The 22-year-old should have a better supporting cast around him, with the team expected to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall, but a backfield timeshare in Vegas will surely cap Jeanty's fantasy upside going into Year 2.


Bucky Irving vs. Ashton Jeanty

Still trying to decide between Irving and Jeanty? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Bucky Irving is projected to score 17.7 points this week while Ashton Jeanty is projected to score 16.9 points.