The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will visit the Carolina Panthers in Week 16. 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 Irving Playing in Week 16?
Irving is not on the injury report and barring a surprise, he is expected to play.
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 16?
Thursday night was supposed to be a spot for Bucky Irving to party like it was 2024. As a rookie, he was one of the more valuable fantasy assets during the playoff run and after two weeks of proving his health, this game against the Falcons looked like a spot where he could swing your matchup.
And he did, but in the wrong direction.
He picked up 11 yards on the first play of the game and 11 yards via a checkdown reception on the next one. It started so promising and that makes the struggles the rest of the way that much more painful.
After those two touches, Irving turned 15 touches into just 49 yards with zero touchdowns and zero reception (two targets). Sean Tucker vultured the short touchdown and Mike Evans was back to earning targets like peak Mike Evans despite him clearly being at far less than full strength.
If you’re wondering, yes, I was counting on Irving in a big spot too. It hurt.
If you survived, I think you go back to him without a second thought. In both Carolina games last year, he had 20+ carries, 110+ rushing yards, and 30+ receiving yards. Rachaad White is a low-end specialist while Tucker isn’t considered an option between the 20’s: there’s not much standing in the way of him flirting with 20 touches in this must win game.
Bet on the talent instead of fearing the Week 15 result.
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 16
Irving is projected to score 15.8 fantasy points in PPR formats.
We project Irving to rush for 72 yards and 0.5 rushing touchdowns, while adding 3 receptions for 25 receiving yards.
Check out the free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 16 Weather Impact: Buccaneers at Panthers
The forecast for kickoff is 58 degrees Fahrenheit with 4 mph winds. These are ideal conditions for fantasy production.
