Bucky Irving enters the 2026 season seeking to replicate his rookie successes and forget last year. Over the past decade, he is one of only four running backs to record at least 1,100 rushing yards and 40 catches in a rookie season and if we get anything close to that version of him now that he’s healthy, his ADP is going to be off by multiple rounds.
Should I Draft Bucky Irving in Fantasy Football?
Irving maintained this momentum early last year. In September, he had 19 catches across four games before injuries sidelined him for two months. During Weeks 1-4, he handled 90 total touches, volume tied for third in the league, trailing only Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley.
The team clearly built their game plan around him a year ago and while some of the pieces involved have changed, I don’t think this team is ready to completely punt on the idea that this is the man to lead their backfield.
START PREPARING: PFN’s FREE Fantasy Draft Simulator
The offseason addition of former Steeler Kenneth Gainwell complicates Irving’s current fantasy outlook a bit. Gainwell provides direct backfield competition after a huge 2025 season and he offers a little bit more in the way of stability. However, if Irving remains healthy and receives the same runway he saw early last season, he may prevent Gainwell from getting the opportunity to prove his value.
The Tampa Bay offensive line will also dictate backfield production, no matter who is getting the bulk of the touches. The unit ranked first in the league in 2024 per our grading system. In 2025, widespread injuries caused the group to crashed to 26th.
Reasonable health and stability across the offensive front are necessary for Irving to return to maximum rushing efficiency and while predicting health is a dangerous game, things should break at least a little more in their favor this year than last.
Regardless of blocking, Irving provides a reliable floor through the passing game, provided he can hold off Gainwell. He earns cheap catches consistently, and that trend should continue. For his career, 132% of his receiving yards have come after the catch.
FANTASY RANKINGS: PFN’s FREE Fantasy PPR, Half-PPR, and Non-PPR Rankings
This highlights his ability to turn short targets or plays behind the line of scrimmage into meaningful production. You are free to run your team how you’d like, but if you asked me who is this years version of 2025 Travis Etienne, Irving would be my answer.
>>
Kyle Soppe’s RB Fantasy Rankings 2026
- Bijan Robinson | ATL
- Jahmyr Gibbs | DET
- James Cook III | BUF
- Ashton Jeanty | LV
- Jonathan Taylor | IND
- Christian McCaffrey | SF
- De’Von Achane | MIA
- Saquon Barkley | PHI
- Chase Brown | CIN
- Derrick Henry | BAL
- Javonte Williams | DAL
- Kenneth Walker III | KC
- Jeremiyah Love | ARI
- Omarion Hampton | LAC
- D’Andre Swift | CHI
- Travis Etienne Jr. | NO
- Breece Hall | NYJ
- Kyren Williams | LAR
- Josh Jacobs | GB
- David Montgomery | HOU
- Cam Skattebo | NYG
- Bhayshul Tuten | JAX
- TreVeyon Henderson | NE
- Bucky Irving | TB
- Chuba Hubbard | CAR
- Jaylen Warren | PIT
- Jordan Mason | MIN
- Jadarian Price | SEA
- Quinshon Judkins | CLE
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt | WAS
- Kenny Gainwell | TB
- Rhamondre Stevenson | NE
- Tony Pollard | TEN
- RJ Harvey | DEN
- Zach Charbonnet | SEA
- Rico Dowdle | PIT
- Blake Corum | LAR
- Kyle Monangai | CHI
- Chris Rodriguez Jr. | JAX
- Tyler Allgeier | ARI
- Rachaad White | WAS
- Aaron Jones Sr. | MIN
- J.K. Dobbins | DEN
- Isiah Pacheco | DET
- Nick Singleton | TEN
- James Conner | ARI
- Kimani Vidal | LAC
- Tyrone Tracy Jr. | NYG
- Jaylen Wright | MIA
- Woody Marks | HOU
