The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been one of the surprise teams in the NFL this season. Their offensive explosion from last year has continued into 2024. We have entered Week 4 of the NFL season, and the Buccaneers are facing off against the Philadelphia Eagles and looking to continue their impressive stretch.
One of the issues they will be facing will be deciding which running back will help elevate their offense this weekend as they face an Eagles defense that has allowed the seventh-most rushing yards in the 2024 season.
Let’s break down Rachaad White and Bucky Irving’s fantasy football outlooks in Week 4 to help us make the correct decision for our fantasy football lineup.
Should You Start Rachaad White or Bucky Irving in Week 4?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, PFN’s Consensus Rankings say White is the player to start. His 10.8 fantasy point projection consists of 38 rushing yards and 0.2 touchdowns, with 21.7 receiving yards and 2.9 receptions. Irving is projected to produce 45 rushing yards with 0.3 touchdowns and 13.7 receiving yards with 1.4 receptions. As you can see, it’s a close battle between these two young Tampa Bay running backs.
However, I’m afraid I have to disagree with the rankings and believe that Irving is the correct play for your fantasy football lineup in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles. His rushing vision outranks the (for now) starter White. He will be able to capitalize better than the veteran running back.
White’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
Although White leads this backfield with 31 rushing attempts, Irving isn’t far behind with 25. The issue surrounding White’s game is his lack of ability to create yardage. His 2.1 yards per rush is the 48th-best in the NFL. TruMedia has White ranked as the 60th-best running back in terms of longest run. White does not show explosion or vision when handling his workload from the backfield.
Where White can help us with fantasy is in the passing game. White has been one of the best PPR running backs in the game for the last two seasons. White has run 66 routes to Irving’s 22, ranking White the 11th-highest for running backs. His 12 receptions sit as the third-highest for running backs and show he does have a portion of the game plan around him. He needs to enhance his vision to keep hold of the starting running back job.
Irving’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
Irving has been an incredible story for the Buccaneers. The rookie running back has impressed throughout the season and is on the verge of stealing White’s starting running back position. As we stated earlier, Irving is close to surpassing White’s total rushing attempts. He far outweighs the production on the ground, as Irving’s 6.2 yards is the fourth-best in the NFL.
Two HUGE runs by Bucky Irving and suddenly the Bucs offense is alive. This kid is going to be so good. pic.twitter.com/5a7MEZs69g
— Josh Hill (@jdavhill) September 22, 2024
Irving has also built trust in the coaching staff, as his five rushing first downs are three more than White in 2024. Irving helped gain those first downs with his fifth-highest yards after contact per rush total this season.
Irving is the most explosive of the two running backs this season, and the Eagles’ defense allows for rushing yards by the bunches during the game. Please don’t sleep on this rookie, and get ahead of the breakout season before it leaves you behind.