Bucky Irving vs Kyle Monangai: Who Should You Start?
Bucky Irving and Kyle Monangai 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 Kyle Monangai posted 8.1 PPG in 17 appearances for the Chicago Bears.
A 4.2-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; Kyle Monangai posted 783 and 5. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Bucky Irving sits Week 11 while Kyle Monangai is off Week 7. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
