Who Should I Start? De'Von Achane or Bucky Irving

Thursday, May 22, 1:08 PM

NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe says that Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane could be in line for even more of a workhorse role on offense in 2025 after proving to be one of the most explosive playmakers at the position in his first two years in the league. Achane has an opportunity to be Miami's clear RB1 after veteran Raheem Mostert joined the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency this offseason. He's been clear about his goals moving forward, too, stating that he thinks he can be a 1,000-yard rusher and a 500-yard receiver. Achane was already a top-10 RBI in PPR scoring in 2024 with 907 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns and 78 receptions, 592 receiving yards and six receiving TDs. There are questions about whether the 5-foot-9, 188-pounder can handle that big of a workload, but Miami's coaching staff isn't worried. Achane's fantasy arrow is pointing upward as a strong RB1.

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.