Who Should I Start? Kenneth Walker III or Bucky Irving


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
11.4 54.1 0.6 1.2 8.8 0.1

Kenneth Walker III News

Kenneth Walker III Won't Get the Franchise Tag

Tuesday, March 3, 7:19 AM

Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III will not get the franchise tag on Tuesday, sources told Peter Schrager of ESPN. Walker will become an unrestricted free agent at the start of the new league year and will be one of the top options at the position on the open market after his strong finish to the 2025 season in the playoffs. It doesn't mean that Seattle won't bring Walker back, but they'll have plenty of competition for his services. The 25-year-old was finally able to play a full season last year, which resulted in his second career 1,000-yard season while adding five rushing touchdowns on 221 rushing attempts in 17 regular-season games. He was even better in three postseason games, rushing for 313 yards and four TDs on 65 carries. Walker has proven to be an efficient ball-carrier in his four years with Seattle, but lower-body injuries have plagued him, which will make him a risk/reward fantasy selection in a potential timeshare in 2026.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
17.7 62.2 0.7 3.6 26.5 0.1

Bucky Irving News

Bucky Irving Undergoes Offseason Shoulder Surgery

Monday, February 16, 2:21 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) had offseason surgery on his shoulder, according to JoeBucsFan.com. Irving missed seven straight games last year from Weeks 5 through 12 with ankle and shoulder injuries. His ankle healed before his shoulder. The good news is that Irving's recovery and rehab are not expected to significantly impact his offseason preparation. Irving had 1,122 rushing yards and 5.4 yards per carry as a rookie in 2024, but his production dropped in Year 2 due to his injuries, as he finished with 588 rushing yards (3.4 yards per carry). The 23-year-old could have a bigger role in Tampa's backfield next season with Rachaad White not expected to return in free agency, although the Bucs will probably prioritize adding RB depth after Irving's injury issues in 2025. Irving will have bounce-back potential for fantasy managers this year, but he'll also carry injury risk as an RB2 target.


Kenneth Walker III vs. Bucky Irving

Still trying to decide between Walker III and Irving? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Kenneth Walker III is projected to score 11.4 points this week while Bucky Irving is projected to score 17.7 points.