Who Should I Start? Sean Tucker or Julius Chestnut

Friday, November 28, 9:29 AM

With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers getting healthy at the running back position, specifically Bucky Irving (shoulder/foot) appearing to be suiting up in Week 13 against th Arizona Cardinals, Sean Tucker's value is heading in the wrong direction after his Week 11 explosion in Buffalo where he scored 33 fantasy points (half PPR) with 106 rushing yards, 34 receivng yards, and three touchdowns. While he figures to get still a few carries with Irving back in the lineup, Rachaad White still figures to mix in as well, making this a three-headed backfield that could get a bit messy, specifically for White and Tucker. Irving is the clear top back, as he was a second-round pick in most fantasy drafts in August, and if he's fully healthy, he will get a majority of the snaps. Something to note, offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard did speak on behalf of Irving's expected volume earlier in the week, saying it will be similar to how the team handled wide receiver Chris Godwin in his return against the Rams last week, where Godwin played 36% of the snaps. Regardless, even at a 35-40% snap share for Irving, it still trickles into Tucker's playing time, diminishing his fantasy value. Because of Tucker's recent success, he is still worth a bench spot while Irving gets ramped up, but if we see Irving take over the backfield in Week 13 or 14, Tucker can be dropped to waivers.

Saturday, October 4, 12:57 AM

Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut could be headed for a reduced workload in Week 5 despite a favorable matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Chestnut has operated as a backup to Tony Pollard through the first four weeks of the season. While his usage has been relatively modest given that Pollard leads all NFL running backs in snap share, Chestnut has still been his backup and did see the field in every game, logging five total carries. That marginal usage could drop to no usage as soon as Tyjae Spears (ankle) returns to game action. Spears is currently on injured reserve but has been designated to return and is questionable for Week 5. Chestnut's already limited opportunity share would surely disappear entirely as soon as another reliable, proven player like Spears is added to the backfield. If Spears plays Sunday, Chestnut, 24, might not touch the ball. Even if he remains on IR, though, the Sacred Heart product is due for just a couple of touches and remains off the fantasy radar.