The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven't gotten the production they expected from their backfield over three weeks, but Sunday's matchup against the Green Bay Packers gives fantasy managers some reason for optimism.
Green Bay's run defense has been inconsistent so far this season. The Packers held the Jets to 67 rushing yards on 27 attempts in Week 2, but things fell apart against Atlanta in Week 3. The Falcons ran for 242 yards, with Bijan Robinson accounting for 194 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries.
That doesn't mean Tampa Bay will suddenly run all over Green Bay, but there is an opportunity for the Buccaneers to control the game via the run. The Packers enter Week 4 allowing 138.7 rushing yards per game, ranking 28th in the NFL, and Jalon Daniels'
first NFL start should give Tampa Bay even more reason to lean on its backfield.
Bucky Irving: Start
Bucky Irving remains the easiest fantasy decision of Tampa Bay's three running backs. Through three games, Irving has carried the ball 40 times for 180 yards and a touchdown while adding 13 receptions for 61 yards.
Irving appeared on the injury report this week with a glute injury and was limited Wednesday and Thursday before returning to full participation Friday. He does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game.
With Daniels making his first start, I expect Tampa Bay to give Irving plenty of opportunities rather than putting everything on its rookie quarterback. Green Bay's struggles against Atlanta only make the matchup more appealing.
I'm starting Irving this week. Depending on league size and roster construction, I view him as an RB2/RB3 with Flex value. He's the Buccaneers running back I feel most comfortable putting into a fantasy lineup.
Kenneth Gainwell: Flex
Kenneth Gainwell has 10 carries for 21 yards and six receptions for 22 yards through his first three games with Tampa Bay. That's only 16 touches for 43 yards from scrimmage, so there hasn't been enough production to make him a regular fantasy starter.
This week could present a better opportunity with Daniels making his first start; I think Tampa Bay could lean more on screens and quick throws to get the ball out of his hands and allow the skill players to create after the catch. Gainwell's ability as a receiver makes him particularly interesting if the Buccaneers decide to attack Green Bay that way.
I'm willing to use Gainwell as a Flex option, particularly in deeper PPR leagues. There is still plenty of risk given how little he has produced over three games, but his receiving ability and the matchup give him more upside than we've seen so far.
Sean Tucker: Sit
Sean Tucker is someone I'm keeping on the bench until we actually see his role change.
Tucker has appeared in two games this season but has yet to record a carry or reception. Todd Bowles has talked about getting Tucker more involved, but fantasy managers shouldn't assume that automatically means he's about to receive a significant workload.
There could eventually be touchdown upside if Tampa Bay finds a role for him near the goal line, but that isn't something the Buccaneers have said will happen. Right now, relying on Tucker would mean betting on a role we haven't actually seen this season.
In extremely deep leagues, Tucker is worth monitoring to see whether Tampa Bay follows through on getting him more involved. For Week 4, though, I'm leaving him on the bench.
Irving is the clear starter at the group, and the back I'm most comfortable trusting against Green Bay. Gainwell is a riskier Flex option who could benefit if Tampa Bay uses the screen and short passing game to help Daniels, while Tucker needs to show us something on offense before he belongs in a fantasy lineup.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Should you start Bucs running backs this week in fantasy football?
