Who Should I Start? Ty Chandler or Bucky Irving

Wednesday, September 4, 12:07 AM

Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler is expected to return kicks following the latest depth chart update. Chandler is listed as the team's primary kick returner while Brandon Powell handles punt return duties. This development comes in the wake of Minnesota's decision to release talented returner Kene Nwangwu. Chandler has big shoes to fill but is likely up for the challenge after getting a taste of the job last year. He returned four kicks for 97 yards in 2023. Fantasy managers should keep in mind that just because he is returning kicks doesn't mean he won't see snaps out of the backfield. Minnesota is expected to rely on Chandler to take some of the workload off veteran Aaron Jones. Chandler might not see quite enough snaps to warrant any fantasy consideration immediately, but he's an intriguing insurance policy at the very least.

Thursday, September 5, 7:43 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving looks to be set as the primary backup option to Rachaad White in the backfield. He won the competition against Sean Tucker in camp for the No. 2 role in this offense. Sadly for Irving, that No. 2 role probably isn't going to be too significant. The Bucs are likely going to lean on White as their lead back. Irving should help out on special teams and possibly see a handful of snaps as the change-of-pace back. However, there is unlikely to be enough carries for Irving to have viable value during the season opener. He's worth stashing in dynasty formats and deep leagues because if White goes down then Irving will be the next man up. Irving could carve out a bigger role for himself as the season goes on, but he remains a shaky option for the season opener against the Washington Commanders.