Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Bucky Irving

Wednesday, January 21, 12:19 PM

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio said on Wednesday that running back Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) had a medical condition that never improved, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. "He didn't jump off a building. He wasn't doing anything irresponsible. It was a freak thing," Caserio said. The Texans were extremely vague with Mixon's injury all year, and he never ended up playing in 2025. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Monday that Mixon's status for the 2026 season is also uncertain due to his injury. Unexpectedly, the Texans struggled for consistent production out of their backfield with a mix of veteran Nick Chubb and Woody Marks. Marks took over halfway through the year and should be heavily involved again next season, even if Mixon returns. Needless to say, a lot of fantasy managers won't want anything to do with Mixon in 2026.

Wednesday, December 17, 10:13 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving took on the majority of the workload in Week 15, totaling just 71 scrimmage yards on 17 attempts. Since returning from shoulder and foot injuries in Week 13, Irving has totaled 233 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 53 attempts, averaging 13.4 PPR points per game. While he started the season as the primary workhorse in this Buccaneers' offense, Irving has been limited to just 54% of the snaps, while backups Rachaad White (43% and Sean Tucker (14%) have been factors. Irving faces the Carolina Panthers defense in Week 16, which has allowed the tenth-most fantasy points to running backs this season. In his only two games against the Panthers in his career, he has had over 185 scrimmage yards in both outings. In a must-win game for the Buccaneers and with his favorable history against Carolina, look for Irving to unleash in Week 16.