Who Should I Start? Bucky Irving or Ollie Gordon II

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.

Saturday, December 27, 7:29 AM

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II has flashed touchdown-dependent upside in his rookie season, but he's battled an ankle injury and fallen down the depth chart in the last few weeks, playing behind Jaylen Wright. Gordon only played three snaps last week against the Bengals, compared to 18 for Wright. He also lost a yard on his only carry. The sixth-round pick has four touchdowns on the season, but in his limited role, he's not a great option to start in Week 17, when his Dolphins host the Buccaneers. In RotoBaller's rankings, Gordon is only the No. 66 RB, making him an option best left on the bench or waiver wire in almost all formats.