Who Should I Start? Saquon Barkley or Bucky Irving

Friday, December 19, 9:26 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has now scored touchdowns in consecutive games for the first time since the first two weeks of the season. Barkley's 22 carries were also his most attempts in a game since Week 11. The star RB was able to capitalize on the favorable matchup against the Raiders, and will look to do the same in his upcoming meeting with the Commanders. Washington's defense allows 136.3 rushing yards per game-fifth-most in the league-and has let up 14 rushing touchdowns-good for 12th-most in the NFL. It's also encouraging that Barkley had his most red zone rushing attempts in a game this season last week, getting the ball 10 times inside the 20 against Las Vegas. He's had a general uptick in touches and has returned to his scoring ways, so there's no doubt he's a solid RB1 this week.

Wednesday, December 17, 10:13 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving took on the majority of the workload in Week 15, totaling just 71 scrimmage yards on 17 attempts. Since returning from shoulder and foot injuries in Week 13, Irving has totaled 233 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 53 attempts, averaging 13.4 PPR points per game. While he started the season as the primary workhorse in this Buccaneers' offense, Irving has been limited to just 54% of the snaps, while backups Rachaad White (43% and Sean Tucker (14%) have been factors. Irving faces the Carolina Panthers defense in Week 16, which has allowed the tenth-most fantasy points to running backs this season. In his only two games against the Panthers in his career, he has had over 185 scrimmage yards in both outings. In a must-win game for the Buccaneers and with his favorable history against Carolina, look for Irving to unleash in Week 16.