Fantasy Football Spotlight: Bucky Irving Shines Bright in Week 12
Fantasy football managers, take note: Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving is making waves, and his Week 12 performance against the New York Giants was nothing short of spectacular. While the Buccaneers’ backfield remains a bit of a puzzle with Rachaad White and Irving splitting carries, the rookie is proving to be a fantasy gem. Let’s break down why Irving is becoming a must-start option and what it means for your fantasy lineup moving forward.
Irving’s Breakout Performance
In Sunday’s dominant win over the New York Giants, both White and Irving carried the ball 12 times, while third-stringer Sean Tucker even got in on the action with a 1-yard touchdown in the first quarter. But it was Irving who stole the show. The Oregon product racked up an impressive 27.1 fantasy points, thanks to 87 rushing yards, a touchdown on the ground, and six catches for 64 yards through the air. That’s versatility at its finest.
Despite being rostered in 79% of ESPN leagues, Irving was only started in 49.8% of them this week. Those who trusted him were handsomely rewarded with his best fantasy performance of the season. This marks his seventh game with 10 or more fantasy points and his fifth with 15-plus. Talk about consistency!
Why Irving is a Fantasy Star in the Making
One thing is clear: Irving’s role in the Buccaneers’ offense is growing. His ability to contribute as both a rusher and a pass-catcher makes him a dual-threat weapon. The Buccaneers’ offensive line, ranked ninth in run block win rate, played a huge role in his success, completely overpowering the Giants’ defense. Irving is taking full advantage of every opportunity he gets, and it’s paying off for fantasy managers.
Looking ahead, the schedule only gets better for Irving. According to Mike Clay’s strength of schedule matrix, the Buccaneers have the second-most favorable schedule for running backs for the rest of the season. With matchups against the Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders on the horizon, Irving is firmly in the RB2 conversation, even while sharing touches with White. If you’ve got him on your roster, it’s time to start him with confidence.
Other Rookie Standouts from Week 12
Irving wasn’t the only rookie making headlines this week. Here are some other notable performances:
- Jayden Daniels: The Washington Commanders quarterback had his best fantasy performance of the season, scoring 30.4 points against the Dallas Cowboys. Daniels became just the sixth rookie in NFL history to hit 2,000 passing yards and 500 rushing yards in a season, joining an elite group that includes Kyler Murray and Cam Newton.
- Caleb Williams: The Chicago Bears rookie posted 26.9 fantasy points against the Vikings, his best outing since Week 6. He recorded his first career multi-touchdown game against the blitz and is a solid QB2 option for next week’s matchup against the Lions.
- Xavier Legette: The Carolina Panthers wide receiver caught four of six targets for 56 yards against the Chiefs. With a favorable matchup against the Buccaneers next week, Legette is a strong flex option in deeper leagues.
- Bo Nix: The Denver Broncos quarterback scored 19.4 fantasy points against the Raiders, becoming just the third Broncos rookie to record three straight games with multiple passing touchdowns. Nix is shaping up to be a low-end QB1 with a favorable rest-of-season schedule.
Rookie Power Rankings
Here’s a quick look at the top rookie performers and who you should keep an eye on:
Quarterbacks
- Top Performers in Week 12: Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, Bo Nix
- Keep ’em Rostered: Drake Maye
- Stash for Dynasty: Michael Penix Jr.
Running Backs
- Top Performer in Week 12: Bucky Irving
- Keep ’em Rostered: Tyrone Tracy Jr.
- Stash for Dynasty: Jonathon Brooks, Ray Davis
Wide Receivers
- Top Performer in Week 12: Devaughn Vele
- Keep ’em Rostered: Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers
Final Thoughts
As the fantasy football playoffs approach, rookies like Bucky Irving are proving to be game-changers. Whether you’re looking for a reliable RB2 or a high-upside flex option, these young stars are worth your attention. Keep an eye on the matchups, trust the numbers, and don’t be afraid to roll the dice on these rising talents. After all, fantasy football is all about taking calculated risks—and Irving is one risk that’s paying off big time.
Originally Written by: Eric Karabell
