Who Should I Start? Kenneth Walker III or Bucky Irving

Friday, October 3, 7:51 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III will look to continue his efficient running in Week 5. Walker will have a tough task ahead of him as the Seahawks will host a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team allowing less than three yards per carry to opposing running backs. Additionally, the Seahawks are deploying a running back committee with Walker and Zach Charbonnet. Both players are taking opportunities from the other. Walker's saving grace is his pass-catching and big-play ability. He is not receiving goal line opportunities, which suggests that he will need to score between the 20s. You may feel compelled to start Walker in Week 5, but he is not a smash play by any means. However, he provides a decent fantasy floor this week and can be deployed as a low-end RB2.

Wednesday, October 8, 2:11 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder, ankle) remained sidelined at Wednesday's practice, putting his Week 6 status in serious doubt. He has now missed multiple sessions as he continues to recover from lingering injuries, leaving the Buccaneers to rely heavily on Rachaad White. White carried the load last week with 14 rushes for 41 yards and two touchdowns and should once again operate as the primary option against the 49ers. San Francisco's defense ranks 17th against the run, giving Tampa Bay a favorable matchup to continue establishing the run. Irving's absence limits his short-term fantasy outlook, but managers should keep him stashed in hopes of a potential return for the team's Week 7 matchup against the Lions.