Who Should I Start? Marquise Brown or Bucky Irving

Wednesday, February 25, 9:01 AM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown opened the 2025 season with a bang, hauling in 10 catches for 99 yards on 16 targets in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, the 28-year-old was not able to maintain his hot start and saw his role in the Chiefs' offense gradually fade over the course of the season. Across 16 games overall, Brown recorded 49 receptions for 587 yards and five touchdowns on 74 targets. Heading into his age-29 season, Brown is now set to hit unrestricted free agency. Chiefs WR1 Rashee Rice is currently being sued by the mother of his children for alleged physical abuse and is being investigated by the NFL for violations of the league's personal conduct policy. As a result, there could be an opening for playing time in Kansas City if the team chooses to bring Brown back on a new contract. Still, Brown's production has been on a gradual decline since his banner 2021 season, when he recorded 1,008 yards and six touchdown catches as a member of the Baltimore Ravens. His fantasy outlook is likely trending in the wrong direction heading into 2026, regardless of where he signs in free agency.

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.