Buccaneers backfield role clarity—starter, passing specialist, and red-zone back—is key to fantasy value.

The source identifies that determining the Buccaneers' starter, passing game specialist and scoring position specialist is critical for maximizing fantasy value in the backfield. Both Irving and Gainwell are undersized (Irving 5-foot-10, 195 pounds; Gainwell 5-foot-9, 200 pounds), making a committee approach sensible. Among 2,884 targets earned by NFL running backs across the full 2025 season, 399 were earned during the two-minute drill (13.8 percent) and 331 were earned on third- and fourth-and-long (11.5 percent). Among 390 rushing touchdowns scored by NFL running backs across the full 2025 season, 318 were scored in the red zone (81.5 percent) and 281 were scored in the green zone (72.1 percent).