Sean Tucker turned heads last week with a 37.0 FPTS explosion vs. the Bills. The back rushed 19 times for 106 yards and two touchdowns, and he caught both of his targets 34 yards and a touchdown. Tucker handled 65.5% of the Buccaneers’ running back carries, including four red zone rushes. Following this incredible effort, Tampa Bay’s OC Josh Gizzard told the media that he expects Tucker’s role to keep growing.
Amid Tucker’s impressive play, Bucky Irving has returned to practice on a limited basis after missing the last six games with a foot injury. Irving’s return appears to be coming soon, but there have been rumblings that the back won’t play this Sunday vs. the Rams. Even if he does play, Scott Smith is reporting that Irving is likely to be eased back when he returns, given he has been out for so long.
Given these reports, it’s safe to expect that Tucker will operate as Tampa Bay’s lead rusher again this Sunday even if Irving returns, with a likely 70/30 split in favor of Tucker in that situation. Now, if Irving sits, Rachaad White will be the secondary and pass catching back behind Tucker for the second week in a row, and the latter should lead the way on the ground with a featured role.
All that being said, Tucker’s matchup vs. Los Angeles is a problem. After facing a Buffalo defense last week that is giving up the second-most yards per rush this season (5.4), this Rams’ defense he is facing this Sunday is allowing the third-fewest yards per rush in the NFL (3.9). Tucker ranks first in FPTS per snap among all the running backs that have seen at least 20 carries this season (0.62), but 45% of his fantasy production has come via touchdowns, and this isn’t a spot for him to find pay dirt often, as Los Angeles is tied with the Patriots for the fewest touchdowns allowed to running backs this season (3). Plus, the Buccaneers are likely to throw the ball at a high rate as 6.5-point road underdogs for this matchup on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Tucker is still a viable RB3/FLEX play for season-long leagues that could get you double-digit FPTS, but a performance anywhere close to last week’s outburst is extremely unlikely for the back in this tough spot vs. the Rams.
