Who Should I Start? Roschon Johnson or Bucky Irving

Monday, September 30, 11:23 AM

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson saw increased usage in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams, serving as a change-of-pace option to help secure tough yards. He scored a one-yard touchdown in the second quarter, capitalizing on a strip-sack by Montez Sweat deep in Rams territory. Johnson's downhill rushing style made him an ideal choice for goal-line situations, while D'Andre Swift, who had struggled early in the season, found his rhythm once the Bears got him into open space. Chicago finished the game with 131 rushing yards, a significant improvement from the 63 they managed against the Colts. After impressing in his first outing of the season in Week 3, Johnson solidified his role as the clear No. 2 running back behind Swift. Although Swift had his best game yet, Johnson may have established himself enough to maintain his change-of-pace role and secure future goal-line opportunities.

Wednesday, October 2, 7:26 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving has continued to work his way into a larger role on this offense. Last week, Irving saw a career-high 10 carries for 49 yards and scored his first rushing touchdown of his career. Irving has seen 12 touches or more in three of the first four games this season. Lead back Rachaad White has struggled and Irving has played so well that it has turned into more of a committee approach. Honestly, Irving seems more like the lead back as his big-play ability is hard to ignore. He'll head into a tough matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night. A defense that has done a nice job at holding running backs in check. Irving should continue seeing an increased workload which should only increase his fantasy value. He's worth rostering in most fantasy formats and has flex appeal in certain formats for Week 5.