The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, specifically regarding RB Bucky Irving.
Is Bucky Irving Playing in Week 13?
Irving (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Arizona, with the expectation that he’ll return to action after logging full practices all week, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.
We’ll continue to monitor the Buccaneers’ injury report leading up to kickoff for any changes. You can also visit and bookmark our Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Irving in Week 13?
Bucky Irving hasn’t played since September, but the Bucs seem to be counting on his return to come this week.
The talent is elite and the matchup is far from prohibitive (Arizona has played four games against a preseason top 10 RB this season and that player has cleared 18.5 PPR points in each of those contests), but we are left to guess at the workload.
Irving racked up 90 touches (71 carries and 19 catches on 19 targets) in his four games, recording a 20+ yard catch in each of the last three. When right, you could argue Tampa Bay’s RB1 has as high of a ceiling outside of the top tier as anyone and my hope is that we get there sooner than later.
Remaining Schedule
- Sunday vs. Cardinals
- Week 14 vs. Saints
- Week 15 vs. Falcons
- Week 16 at Panthers
- Week 17 at Dolphins
- Week 18 vs. Panthers
Assuming there are no reports of a setback, I’m taking a cautious approach and using Irving as a RB2. I still think he can do damage with limited work, but the fact that the Bucs have a specialist running back to take responsibilities off of Irving’s plate in a variety of ways (Rachaad White via targets and Sean Tucker carries) is worrisome.
I’m expecting 13-15 touches in his return to action and if you roster Irving because you felt he was worthy of a mid-second pick this summer, that is likely enough for him to hit your lineup.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Cheat Sheet.
Irving’s Fantasy Points Projection in Week 13
Irving is projected to score 13.4 fantasy points in PPR formats.
We project Irving to rush for 61 yards and 0.4 rushing touchdowns, while adding 3 receptions for 21 receiving yards.
Check out the free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 13 Weather Impact: Cardinals at Buccaneers
The forecast for kickoff is 74 degrees Fahrenheit with 16 mph winds. Moderate winds may affect deep passes and field goal attempts.