Bucky Irving vs Quinshon Judkins: Who Should You Start?
Bucky Irving and Quinshon Judkins 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 Quinshon Judkins posted 10.5 PPG in 15 appearances for the Cleveland Browns.
A 1.8-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; Quinshon Judkins posted 827 and 7. 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 Quinshon Judkins is off Week 10. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
