Who Should I Start? Rhamondre Stevenson or Bucky Irving

Friday, December 5, 10:00 PM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson was finally back to full speed during last week's win over the New York Giants. Stevenson missed three games due to a toe injury. During that time, rookie TreVeyon Henderson went wild with five touchdowns in three games. The rookie back has rushed for over 60 yards in five of his last six games. Henderson is playing so well that the Pats can't take the ball out of his hands. The expectation is that the two backs will split up the workload down the stretch of the season. Stevenson rushed for 40 yards on 12 attempts last week, while Henderson finished with 67 yards on 11 carries. The Patriots are on a bye this weekend, but the expectation is that Henderson will see a larger chunk of carries over the final four games. Fantasy managers should continue to hold Stevenson while lowering their expectations.

Thursday, December 4, 6:13 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) upgraded from a limited practice participant on Wednesday to a full showing on Thursday ahead of the Week 14 game against the division-rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday, according to Sara Palczewski of Louisiana First News. Irving returned in last Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals for the first time since suffering foot and shoulder injuries back in Week 4. The 23-year-old played 52% of the offensive snaps and had 19 touches for 81 scrimmage yards and his first rushing touchdown of the year. The Bucs will continue to involve both Rachaad White and Sean Tucker in change-of-pace roles down the stretch, but Irving is their preferred back and has clear RB1 upside for fantasy managers now that he's back and set to see an even bigger workload this weekend against the Saints. Irving is averaging a mediocre 3.4 yards per carry in five games this year, but he's had at least 14 rushing attempts in all five games and has a high floor.