Bucky Irving vs Rico Dowdle: Who Should You Start?
This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Bucky Irving finished the 2025 season at 12.3 PPG over 10 games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Rico Dowdle clocked in at 11.6 across 17 appearances for the Pittsburgh Steelers. A 0.7-point gap means any given week could go either way.
With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Bucky Irving ran for 588 yards and 1 touchdowns; Rico Dowdle posted 1076 and 6. 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 Rico Dowdle Week 9. 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.
