Who Should I Start? Gus Edwards or Bucky Irving

Thursday, September 5, 4:20 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards is expected to be the early-down lead back on the Chargers new offense this season. A Week 1 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders isn't the softest introduction, but Edwards should still be the guy handed the ball on any short down situations. He likely won't be part of the passing game and isn't the most explosive open field runner, so he's the kind of guy who needs to score in real life to put up a strong fantasy score. He was fourth in touchdowns among running backs last season but ended up as just the overall RB32.

Thursday, September 5, 7:43 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving looks to be set as the primary backup option to Rachaad White in the backfield. He won the competition against Sean Tucker in camp for the No. 2 role in this offense. Sadly for Irving, that No. 2 role probably isn't going to be too significant. The Bucs are likely going to lean on White as their lead back. Irving should help out on special teams and possibly see a handful of snaps as the change-of-pace back. However, there is unlikely to be enough carries for Irving to have viable value during the season opener. He's worth stashing in dynasty formats and deep leagues because if White goes down then Irving will be the next man up. Irving could carve out a bigger role for himself as the season goes on, but he remains a shaky option for the season opener against the Washington Commanders.