Bucky Irving vs Kenneth Gainwell: Who Should You Start?
Bucky Irving (12.3 PPG) and Kenneth Gainwell (10.9 PPG) produced nearly identical fantasy numbers in 2025. When two running backs are this close on a per-game basis, the weekly matchup matters more than the season-long resume. Bucky Irving played 10 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Kenneth Gainwell suited up 17 times for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A 1.4-point per-game gap over a full season is essentially noise. It means one extra catch, one fewer target, or a single broken play away from flipping the script. For a weekly start/sit call between these two, matchup analysis matters far more than the season line.
Kenneth Gainwell is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 73 targets into 486 yards, while Bucky Irving profiles as a more traditional rusher with 588 rushing yards and 1 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Kenneth Gainwell carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
Both share a Week 11 bye, which matters for roster construction. If you are stacking running backs this deep on your bench, plan your replacement running back early.
