Rachaad White’s Injury Opens the Door for Bucky Irving
As the NFL season progresses, injuries can dramatically shift the landscape of fantasy football. This week, the spotlight is on Rachaad White, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ starting running back, who is listed as doubtful for the upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints due to a foot injury. This situation paves the way for rookie Bucky Irving to make his first NFL start, and fantasy managers should take note.
Bucky Irving: A Rising Star
Bucky Irving has been a name to watch since he entered the league. Despite sharing touches with White, he has demonstrated his potential with impressive performances. In four games this season, Irving has averaged at least 4.9 yards per carry, showcasing his ability to find gaps and make plays. Notably, he scored 11.4 PPR points against the Denver Broncos in Week 3 and followed that up with 12.5 PPR points against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4, where he also found the end zone for the first time.
Irving’s college career at Oregon was marked by his versatility, particularly in the passing game. He recorded an impressive 87 receptions over his final two seasons, indicating that he can be a dual-threat back. The Buccaneers have a history of utilizing their running backs in the passing game, currently ranking eighth in the league with 26 receptions to running backs. This trend bodes well for Irving, especially if he can capitalize on the opportunity to showcase his skills in a more significant role.
Matchup Analysis: Buccaneers vs. Saints
The matchup against the New Orleans Saints presents a favorable opportunity for Irving. The Saints’ defense has struggled against running backs in recent weeks, allowing significant fantasy points. For instance, Saquon Barkley exploded for 31.6 PPR points against New Orleans in Week 3, while Kareem Hunt managed to score 18.7 PPR points in Week 5. Additionally, in Week 4, the combination of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier racked up 21.4 PPR points against the Saints.
Given these statistics, it’s clear that the Saints’ defense has vulnerabilities that Irving could exploit. If the Buccaneers can establish the run early, Irving could find himself with ample opportunities to make plays.
Projected Usage and Fantasy Outlook
With Rachaad White likely sidelined, expectations are high for Irving to take on a significant workload. Fantasy managers should anticipate that the Buccaneers will aim to give him at least 15 touches in Week 6. If he can also contribute in the passing game, his fantasy value could skyrocket.
Irving’s potential to be a factor in both the running and passing game gives him a top-15 upside this week. As he steps into the starting role, he could very well become a key player for the Buccaneers and a valuable asset for fantasy teams looking for a boost.
Final Thoughts
As the fantasy football landscape continues to evolve, Bucky Irving stands out as a sleeper pick for Week 6. With Rachaad White’s uncertain status, Irving has the chance to seize the moment and prove himself as a reliable running back. For those in need of a No. 2 running back, Irving is worth considering, especially given the favorable matchup against the Saints. Keep an eye on this emerging talent as he looks to make a significant impact in his first NFL start.