Who Should I Start? MarShawn Lloyd or Bucky Irving

Wednesday, September 17, 2:48 PM

Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) remains on Injured Reserve but is eligible to return in Week 6 against a vulnerable Bengals defense. The Packers' backfield has leaned heavily on Josh Jacobs, who has accounted for 42 of the team's 55 rushing attempts through two games. That kind of workload will be difficult to sustain, and the lack of usage for reserves Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson--each with just one carry--suggests the coaching staff isn't comfortable leaning on them in meaningful situations. Lloyd's eventual return could provide Green Bay with a much-needed spark, as his speed and big-play ability were evident during the preseason. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor Lloyd's progress, as he could quickly carve out a change-of-pace role and potentially spell Jacobs to keep him fresh.

Tuesday, September 16, 12:19 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving was busy Monday night against Houston, handling 17 carries for 71 yards while adding six receptions for 50 yards in the pass game. Irving was the engine of Tampa Bay's offense against Houston's stout defense, consistently making defenders miss and finding positive yardage. The star's second year back forced 11 missed tackles, including five on receptions in Monday night's game, the most in his career, according to NFL Pro. Mayfield was under a ton of pressure and took four sacks overall against one of the league's best pass rush groups, and he often resorted to Irving as a safety valve. Rachaad White handled more work than he did in Week 1 and ended up scoring the game-winning touchdown after Mayfield drove them down to the goal line. Otherwise, Irving still had a highly productive fantasy outing and remains Tampa Bay's lead back. He should be viewed as a rock-solid RB1 moving forward with his high-value touch role.