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Mattek Fantasy Football fantasy football takes on Bucky Irving
Every source-backed video insight STACKED has extracted from Mattek Fantasy Football about Bucky Irving.
15
Insights
11
Positive
3
Negative
Insight ledger
All Mattek Fantasy Football insights about Bucky Irving
PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Bucky Irving secured the meaningful running back work in Tampa Bay, out-touching Kenny Gainwell 15-to-6 and out-targeting him 7-to-1. The source is moving Irving up in rankings and now prefers him over Travis Etienne Jr.PositiveRoleSep 9, 2026
Ranked 31st in Week 1 FLEX rankings. The source is curious about his high-value touch discrepancy versus Kenneth Gainwell; if Irving gets red zone touches (inside the 10-yard line), goal-line carries (inside the 5), and three to four targets per game, the source will move him up significantly in rest-of-season rankings.NegativeUsageSep 7, 2026
Bucky Irving's fantasy value for the Buccaneers is uncertain; he had no touches inside the 5-yard line and is not traditionally a third-down back, but he does play on third downs with 4–5 receptions per game and could score goal-line touchdowns, making him a 2–3 round value play if he captures that role; however, he could also be a biggest faller if Kenneth Gainwell dominates high-value touches.PositiveValueAug 29, 2026
The source identifies Bucky Irving as a league-winning running back and a priority target, comfortable drafting him as early as the fourth round. The stance has shifted positively following reports that Sean Tucker's role will be diminished or that he may be cut, which the source views as indicative of an expanded role for Irving. Irving is considered undervalued due to his recent injury; he is explosive, shifty, and consistently scores fantasy points above expectation, offering a higher ceiling than peers like Cam Akers, David Montgomery, and D'Andre Swift. The source also notes that Baker Mayfield-led backfields generally provide more expected fantasy points for running backs than the league average, and expects a productive backfield split between Irving and Kenneth Gainwell.NegativeUsageAug 28, 2026
The source expresses concern over Bucky Irving's fantasy outlook due to the Buccaneers signing Kenneth Gainwell to a significant contract; reports indicate Gainwell is expected to handle all passing-down work. Additionally, the source notes Irving's lack of goal-line usage last season, where he received zero carries inside the five-yard line, and mentions the frustration of seeing Sean Tucker involved in the backfield.PositiveValueAug 26, 2026
Positive evaluation but ranked below De'Andre Swift in preference; still a viable pick in the tier.PositiveValueAug 6, 2026
Ranked 54th in the E tier; part of a group (Irving, Jadarian Price, Trevian Henderson, Quinshon Judkins) where picking the winner will determine fantasy league success; speaker ranks Irving below Tutin and Price but suggests strategic value in acquiring one or two of these running backs on every fantasy team.PositiveValueJun 24, 2026
Author mentions Bucky Irving as a potential swing pick option after securing floor with Gibbs and Swift.NegativeRoleJun 23, 2026
Bucky Irving is in a 1A/1B situation with Kenneth Gainwell and will lose goal-line work to Sean Tucker, having recorded zero rushing touchdowns inside the five and only one rushing touchdown all season.PositiveRoleJun 22, 2026
Bucky Irving had zero touches inside the five for the entire season after getting injured, with Sean Tucker taking over goal line duties.PositiveRoleJun 22, 2026
Bucky Irving was a better pass-catching and short-yardage option than Rachaad White on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024.PositiveValueMay 27, 2026
Drafted at 45th overall (round 4) due to positional need despite not being particularly bullish; Todd Bowles stated Irving will return in summer or fall, which is concerning for a running back and will likely lower his ADP below 45th; Irving has one very great season of scoring actual fantasy points and two great years of scoring fantasy points above expectation, and will be more efficient than league average on the touches he does get; Irving is a potential league winner who should be priced up in drafts because he has the ability to generate fantasy points over expectation.PositiveValueNo date
Bucky Irving is a recommended draft pick due to his hyper-efficiency and high touch volume, having averaged over 20 touches per game last season and leading the NFL in yards after contact. He is viewed as having 'smash' potential if his efficiency or volume increases further.PositiveRoleNo date
McCaffrey moved Irving up to 50 in rankings. Irving is a very explosive per-touch player who has generated 15 fantasy points per game without goal-line work. McCaffrey is less concerned about Kenneth Gainwell's occasional touches (e.g., seven touches for 38 yards) cutting into Irving's value.NegativeValueNo date
Bucky Irving at ADP 3.11 is considered 'insanely bad' value in the mock draft.