Who Should I Start? Bucky Irving or Dylan Sampson

Wednesday, December 17, 10:13 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving took on the majority of the workload in Week 15, totaling just 71 scrimmage yards on 17 attempts. Since returning from shoulder and foot injuries in Week 13, Irving has totaled 233 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 53 attempts, averaging 13.4 PPR points per game. While he started the season as the primary workhorse in this Buccaneers' offense, Irving has been limited to just 54% of the snaps, while backups Rachaad White (43% and Sean Tucker (14%) have been factors. Irving faces the Carolina Panthers defense in Week 16, which has allowed the tenth-most fantasy points to running backs this season. In his only two games against the Panthers in his career, he has had over 185 scrimmage yards in both outings. In a must-win game for the Buccaneers and with his favorable history against Carolina, look for Irving to unleash in Week 16.

Sunday, December 28, 11:45 AM

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson (hand) is officially active for Cleveland on Sunday as they take on the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17. Sampson missed two practices this week due to his hand injury, but he was able to return on Friday and is now ready to take over as the team's top RB with fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins (leg) done for the season after suffering a gruesome injury in last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills. Behind the 21-year-old will be Trayveon Williams and Raheim Sanders vying for touches in the Browns' backfield. Sampson hasn't been very efficient as a runner in his first NFL season, as he's averaging only 2.6 yards per carry on 44 rushing attempts in his 13 games played. He's been more prolific as a pass-catcher, taking 28 catches for 259 yards and two touchdowns. But for the added volume alone this Sunday, he has upside as an RB3/flex in fantasy in deeper leagues.