Bucky Irving vs Emanuel Wilson: Who Should You Start?
There is a real production gap between these two running backs. Bucky Irving (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) averaged 12.3 PPG over 10 games in 2025, outscoring Emanuel Wilson (Seattle Seahawks, 5.1 PPG) by 7.2 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
A 7.2-PPG gap gives Bucky Irving 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.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Bucky Irving ran for 588 yards and 1 touchdowns; Emanuel Wilson posted 496 and 3. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
One scheduling note: Bucky Irving is off Week 11 and Emanuel Wilson Week 10. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
