Who Should I Start? Spencer Rattler or Bucky Irving

Sunday, January 4, 11:57 AM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (right finger) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the wrong direction after missing all three practices this past week. The 25-year-old has been operating as the backup quarterback behind Tyler Shough ever since Week 9. As a result, Shough remains the starter for Sunday's regular-season finale while Jake Haener steps into the backup role. Haener hasn't played an offensive snap this year, but he did complete 18 of 39 pass attempts for 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in 2024. Haener and Taysom Hill would be candidates to earn quarterback snaps if Shough leaves the game for any reason.

Tuesday, February 3, 3:17 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving had high expectations going into his sophomore season in 2025 after rushing for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns on 207 carries in his rookie campaign in 2024. Unfortunately, the injury bug bit him, and he ended up playing in only 10 games, carrying the ball 173 times for 588 yards (3.4 yards per carry) and just one rushing touchdown. Irving added 30 receptions on 35 targets for 277 yards and three more touchdowns. Fantasy managers who drafted him were extremely disappointed in his overall production. The good news is that Irving should be fully healthy this offseason as he heads into Year 3, and a bigger role could await in Tampa's backfield with Rachaad White expected to depart in free agency. Sean Tucker will be involved, but Irving has already proven he has a three-down skill set. At a reduced cost, Irving will be a popular value pick in fantasy football drafts this fall.