Who Should I Start? Chase Brown or Bucky Irving

Wednesday, May 28, 12:06 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (ankle) was photographed participating in Tuesday's OTAs. Brown had injured his ankle during Week 17 against the Denver Broncos last season, and it was enough to sideline him for the team's regular season finale in Week 18. Now, though, nearly five months later, it appears Brown is healthy. That's good news for Bengals fans and fantasy managers alike, as Brown finished his 2024 campaign with 1,350 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns. He was the overall RB10 in PPR leagues despite opening the year as the No. 2 running back and missing Week 18. Productive as a ball carrier and pass catcher, Brown should be a full-go for Week 1, allowing him to rank as a mid-to-low RB1 in fantasy football.

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.