Who Should I Start? Israel Abanikanda or Sean Tucker

Monday, September 9, 7:44 PM

New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda is a healthy scratch for the team's Week 1 regular-season opener at Levi's Stadium on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers. Abanikanda enters the 2024 season as the team's RB4 behind starter and bell-cow Breece Hall and rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis. As such, the 21-year-old is obviously off the fantasy radar in most single-year leagues for the time being unless injuries push him into a relevant game-day role. The former fifth-round pick out of Pittsburgh last year was also buried on the depth chart in his rookie season and finished with 22 carries for 70 yards while catching seven passes for 43 yards in only six games. Abanikanda has breakaway speed but is once again buried on the depth chart and will have to wait for his opportunity beyond Week 1.

Saturday, November 2, 9:00 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker has been quiet since his 136-yard outburst in Week 6. However, Tucker could see more action against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday. The Bucs have gone to a committee approach in the backfield. Tucker is normally the third option, but he could see more chances with Bucky Irving (toe) questionable for Week 9. If he sits, Tucker would split up the backfield duties with Rachaad White who has struggled on the ground. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect another 100-yard performance from Tucker, but he might have some low-end flex appeal if Irving is unable to play.