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Updated May 14, 2026 from live stats

Bucky Irving vs Jahmyr Gibbs

Fantasy Football Comparison for the 2026 NFL Season

The Bottom Line

Jahmyr Gibbs is the better fantasy play this season.

The gap here is significant. Jahmyr Gibbs outscored Bucky Irving by 7.0 PPG in 2025 with 18 total touchdowns. If both are on your board, Jahmyr Gibbs is the clear pick. Bucky Irving profiles as a matchup-dependent running back who can spike but lacks the consistent floor.

High confidence: stats strongly favor the leader, and the gap is unlikely to close on matchup alone.

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RBTampa Bay Buccaneers#19
Bucky Irving
PPG
12.3
Games
10
Rush Yds
588
Rush TDs
1
Rec
30
Rec Yds
277
Bye
Week 9
RBDetroit Lions#4PPG LEADER
Jahmyr Gibbs
PPG
19.3
Games
17
Rush Yds
1,223
Rush TDs
13
Rec
77
Rec Yds
616
Bye
Week 8

The Edge Chart

VolumeEfficiencyTD UpsideFloorCeilingDurability
Bucky Irving
Jahmyr Gibbs

Head to Head

12.3 PPG19.3 PPG
10 GP17 GP
Bye: Week 9Bye: Week 8

Fantasy Tiers

Bucky Irving: Tier 3 (Flex/Starter) RB (ranked #19 at the position). Jahmyr Gibbs: Tier 1 (Elite) RB (ranked #4 at the position). Among the top 50 running backs this season, Bucky Irving is producing at 56% of elite pace and Jahmyr Gibbs at 88%. That ranking gap means Jahmyr Gibbs carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Bucky Irving vs Jahmyr Gibbs: Who Should You Start?

There is a real production gap between these two running backs. Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions) averaged 19.3 PPG over 17 games in 2025, outscoring Bucky Irving (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 12.3 PPG) by 7.0 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.

The per-game difference of 7.0 points favors Jahmyr Gibbs, though savvy managers know that gap can shrink or widen depending on the weekly slate. Defensive matchup, recent scoring trends, and health status all shift the calculus from one running back to the other.

Jahmyr Gibbs is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 77 targets into 616 yards, while Bucky Irving profiles as a more traditional rusher with 588 rushing yards and 1 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Jahmyr Gibbs carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.

One scheduling note: Bucky Irving is off Week 9 and Jahmyr Gibbs Week 8. 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.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Jahmyr Gibbs is a buy in trades where the other manager is chasing upside at a different position. Bucky Irving is a hold unless you can flip him for a positional upgrade elsewhere on your roster. Dynasty outlook: Bucky Irving (age 23) has not yet hit the RB cliff. High dynasty ceiling if volume holds. Jahmyr Gibbs (age 24) has not yet hit the RB cliff. High dynasty ceiling if volume holds.

Did You Know?

  • Jahmyr Gibbs outscored Bucky Irving by a projected 119 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
  • Jahmyr Gibbs played 17 games in 2025 compared to Bucky Irving's 10. That durability gap means Jahmyr Gibbs contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
  • Jahmyr Gibbs scored 18 total touchdowns in 2025 (1.1 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.
  • Jahmyr Gibbs caught 77 passes in 2025. Pass-catching backs average 2-3 more PPG in half-PPR than their non-receiving counterparts.
Detailed Stat Breakdown
StatIrvingGibbs
PPG (Half-PPR)12.319.3
Games Played1017
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)123328
Rushing Yards5881,223
Rush Yds/Game58.871.9
Rushing TDs113
Receptions3077
Receiving Yards277616
Targets3594
Total TDs418
Age2324
Experience1 yrs2 yrs
Bye WeekWeek 9Week 8

Summary

19.3 PPG for Jahmyr Gibbs versus 12.3 for Bucky Irving in 2025. The baseline favors Jahmyr Gibbs, though the right weekly matchup can flip the script. For a full breakdown that weighs matchup quality, form, and injury reports, try DraftCall's AI comparison engine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Bucky Irving or Jahmyr Gibbs in fantasy football?

Based on 2025 season averages, Jahmyr Gibbs has the edge at 19.3 PPG compared to Bucky Irving's 12.3 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Bucky Irving and Jahmyr Gibbs average in 2025?

Bucky Irving averaged 12.3 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 10 games in 2025. Jahmyr Gibbs averaged 19.3 PPG over 17 games. That is a difference of 7.0 points per game.

When are Bucky Irving and Jahmyr Gibbs's bye weeks in 2026?

Bucky Irving (TB) has a bye in Week 9, and Jahmyr Gibbs (DET) has a bye in Week 8. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Bucky Irving or Jahmyr Gibbs a better fantasy running back in 2026?

Jahmyr Gibbs outscored Bucky Irving by 7.0 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.

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