Who Should I Start? Kendre Miller or Bucky Irving

Friday, January 3, 3:28 PM

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (concussion) didn't practice all week and has been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers after he suffered a concussion in the Week 17 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Alvin Kamara (groin) is doubtful to play as well, which means Clyde Edwards-Helaire could lead the Saints' backfield against the Bucs this weekend, with veteran Jamaal Williams and Jordan Mims also pitching in. The 22-year-old Miller dealt with more injuries in his sophomore season in the NFL after playing in only eight games as a rookie in 2023. The former TCU product played in just eight games in 2024 and had 39 rushing attempts for 148 yards and one touchdown, adding five catches for 33 yards. Miller's standing in the organization has likely soured after two injury-filled years to begin his career.

Monday, January 13, 12:53 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving rushed for 77 yards on 17 carries during Sunday's playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. He also caught two passes for an additional six yards through the air. In the loss, Irving averaged his lowest yards per carry since Week 9 (excluding his injury-shortened Week 14), which is not an indictment on his performance but rather a testament to just how well he's been running the football lately. He carved out the lead-back role once again on Sunday, registering 17 carries to Rachaad White's one. White has essentially been delegated to pass-catching situations, and even then, he continues to lose opportunities to Irving. It has been fascinating to watch this backfield dynamic develop throughout the season, with White slipping way down from the RB1 tier in fantasy football while Irving becomes one of the top running backs in dynasty fantasy football (and a mid-range RB1 in redraft leagues, too). Barring an unexpected change or addition within the Buccaneers' backfield, Irving should remain their primary ball carrier entering 2025.