Who Should I Start? D'Andre Swift or Bucky Irving

Wednesday, June 4, 12:39 PM

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift wants his production to be "undeniable" as the team's lead back in 2025, and he's been putting in the work to be physically ready for a heavy workload, reports Marquee Sports Network's Scott Bair. Swift will need to improve on his 2024 campaign to hold off Roschon Johnson after averaging a career-low 3.8 yards per carry. The 26-year-old worked with new head coach Ben Johnson during their time together in Detroit, and Johnson called Swift a "fierce competitor." The Bears only added RB Kyle Monangai in the seventh round of this year's NFL draft, so Swift figures to open the 2025 season as the starter in Chicago's backfield. It's unclear exactly how the workload will be split up in Johnson's backfield, but based on volume alone, Swift should be in play as an RB2 in fantasy.

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.