Bucky Irving vs De'Von Achane: Who Should You Start?
Bucky Irving and De'Von Achane are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Bucky Irving averaged 12.3 PPG across 10 games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while De'Von Achane posted 18.1 PPG in 16 appearances for the Miami Dolphins.
A 5.8-PPG gap gives De'Von Achane the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
De'Von Achane is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 67 targets into 488 yards, while Bucky Irving profiles as a more traditional rusher with 588 rushing yards and 1 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats De'Von Achane carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Bucky Irving sits Week 11 while De'Von Achane is off Week 6. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
