Bucky Irving vs Javonte Williams: Who Should You Start?
Bucky Irving and Javonte Williams 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 Javonte Williams posted 14.1 PPG in 16 appearances for the Dallas Cowboys.
A 1.8-PPG gap gives Javonte Williams 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; Javonte Williams posted 1201 and 11. 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 Javonte Williams Week 7. 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.
