Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell continued to function as one of his team's most trusted offensive weapons in Week 18, recording 74 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 13 touches in a win over the Baltimore Ravens. While Gainwell scored his touchdown as a rusher, he did most of his work as a receiver, hauling in eight catches for 64 yards on nine targets. The 26-year-old finishes his 2025 season with 1,023 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns on 187 touches across 17 games played. He earned at least seven targets from Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in four out of the team's final five games. Gainwell will be a free agent once Pittsburgh's 2025 playoff run ends, so he's uncertain to be back with the Steelers next season. However, he could be a valuable PPR option for fantasy managers in 2026, particularly if he ends up playing alongside Rodgers in Pittsburgh for a second straight year.
Jan 5, 2026 10:49 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has been one of the best fantasy values in PPR leagues this season, recording 62 receptions for 410 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. His 62 catches trail only Christian McCaffrey, Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, and De'Von Achane at the running back position. The 26-year-old back continues to split touches with Jaylen Warren, but has maintained a strong fantasy profile due to his high-value touch role. Despite Pittsburgh's only legitimate receiving threat in D.K. Metcalf (suspension) missing last week's game against the Browns, Gainwell totalled his fewest yards from scrimmage (38) since Week 10. The former Philadelphia Eagle should be expected to bounce back in a pivotal Week 18 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens to decide the AFC North. Baltimore ranks middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to running backs, and Gainwell caught six balls and found the end zone against them back in Week 14.
Jan 3, 2026 4:41 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell is the fantasy RB21 on the season and carries plenty of value in PPR formats against the Cleveland Browns in Week 17. Although Gainwell is not listed on the team's injury report, the status of all of Pittsburgh's starters needs to be monitored up until game time. If the Baltimore Ravens lose to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, the Steelers will clinch the AFC North title and could choose to rest some players on Sunday. Assuming Gainwell plays, however, he is set up for success against a Cleveland defense that has surrendered the second-most fantasy points to opposing backs over the past eight weeks. With DK Metcalf suspended, Gainwell's involvement as a pass-catcher could increase. That said, fantasy managers can continue to rely on Gainwell as an RB2 or flex option if he is expected to play a full allotment of snaps.
Dec 26, 2025 8:47 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has come on strong in recent weeks, solidifying himself as an excellent fantasy asset over the back half of the season. Gainwell popped off earlier in the campaign in backfield mate Jaylen Warren's (hip) stead, although he'd operated in a secondary role for most of the season. However, in Week 11, the 26-year-old emerged as a legitimate threat in the passing game and has since recorded at least six targets in all but one appearance. Furthermore, Gainwell has out-snapped Warren in each of the previous two weeks despite the latter remaining heavily involved in the rush attack. While both will seemingly hold substantial value over the season's remaining weeks, Gainwell stands to see an uptick in targets, considering wide receiver DK Metcalf will be absent while he serves a two-game suspension, vacating looks in the offense.
Dec 25, 2025 1:54 PM EST
As the 2025 season has progressed, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has emerged as one of his team's most reliable all-purpose weapons. Over his last six games, the 26-year-old has recorded 568 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on 84 touches. Gainwell has earned 38 targets in that six-game stretch and has now hauled in at least five receptions in five out of his last six outings. The Steelers continue to deploy a near 50/50 split in the backfield between Gainwell and Jaylen Warren, which limits the upside for both players to some degree. However, as long as Gainwell continues to function as a featured piece in the Pittsburgh passing game, he should provide a safe production floor in PPR fantasy leagues. In any league where he remains available, Gainwell is a must-add player off the waiver wire heading into his Week 17 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Dec 22, 2025 10:18 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has been heavily involved over the past five weeks and should remain a focal point of the offense against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. The Lions' run defense has been stout for most of the season, but perhaps more importantly, Detroit has shut down opposing backs in the passing game, surrendering the second-fewest receiving yards, the fourth-fewest receptions, and zero receiving touchdowns to the position. On paper, this doesn't bode well for Gainwell, who has thrived as a check-down option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Still, Pittsburgh doesn't have many reliable pass-catchers outside of DK Metcalf, and Gainwell actually leads the team in receptions through 15 weeks. Expectations should be tempered, but Gainwell remains on the fantasy radar as a flex option on Sunday.
Dec 20, 2025 1:18 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell had a monster game in Week 15, as he totaled 126 all-purpose yards (80 on the ground, 46 through the air), played 52 percent of the snaps, and was much more efficient as a runner than backfield mate Jaylen Warren. That being said, Warren was playing with an illness leading up to the game; however, this has been trending towards an actual backfield split for about six to seven weeks now. Additionally, in PPR formats, Gainwell is seeing all of the running back receiving work; he has 31 receptions over the past five weeks (6.2 receptions per game). At the same time, Warren is seeing two, maybe three targets per game during that same stretch. On the season, Warren is RB19 while Gainwell is RB23. Given the Steelers' Week 16 matchup with the Detroit Lions, who are stout against the run (allowing the third fewest points to the running back position), it appears likely the Steelers might be in a shootout or from behind, meaning it's setting up to be a game where Gainwell sees a ton of volume in the receiving game, giving him low-end RB2/flex value in Week 16.
Dec 17, 2025 10:01 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell continues to be a PPR machine, racking up seven receptions for 46 yards while adding 13 carries for 80 yards on the ground in the Monday night win over the Miami Dolphins. Gainwell led the team in catches, with four other Steelers tied for second with three, and outgained Jaylen Warren by 47 yards on the ground on one more carry. The 26-year-old remains a vital piece of the Steelers offense and a player that quarterback Aaron Rodgers relies on for easy dump-off passes to pick up yards after the catch. Gainwell has recorded at least six receptions in four of the past five games and has emerged as a weekly option in PPR leagues. He'll project favorably again as an RB2/flex option next week against the Detroit Lions.
Dec 16, 2025 12:54 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell could be slated for a considerable boost in workload for his Monday night home matchup with the Miami Dolphins in Week 15. Pittsburgh's backfield has been a pleasantly surprising source of fantasy output in 2025, with both Gainwell and teammate Jaylen Warren (illness) ranking as low-end PPR RB2s on the campaign as a whole. However, the former appears poised for a significant touch share when his team hosts the Dolphins on MNF, given Warren was downgraded to questionable after coming down with an illness early Monday. If the latter fails to suit up, Gainwell's upside would be massive, presuming that he assumes a workhorse role as he did the last time Warren sat out in Week 4. In that outing, the former Philadelphia Eagle popped off for 134 yards and two scores on 77% of the team's snaps.
Dec 15, 2025 12:07 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has been heavily involved as a pass-catcher in recent weeks and should maintain a significant role against the Miami Dolphins in Week 15. Though Gainwell has taken a backseat to Jaylen Warren on the ground, the former has earned six or more targets in three of his past four games. Unfortunately, production may be hard to come by on Monday night, with Miami allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing backs over the past four weeks. The weather in Pittsburgh, with gusting winds expected, could force quarterback Aaron Rodgers to check down to his running backs and tight ends more frequently, however. Gainwell's utilization as a receiver keeps him in flex consideration for fantasy managers in PPR leagues this week.
Dec 13, 2025 12:54 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has remained a steady, consistent piece of this Steelers offense for a majority of the season, but even more so over the past month and a half. Since Week 10, this Steelers backfield has become an actual split between Gainwell and Jaylen Warren. For most of the first half of the season, it had appeared Warren was gaining steam and control of the backfield, but a handful of injuries to Warren opened up the door for Gainwell, and he took advantage of his opportunities and has earned more playing time. Since Week 10, Gainwell has rushed for 151 yards on 28 carries (5.39 YPC), has 23 receptions for 167 receiving yards, and is averaging 14.6 fantasy points per game. He is consistently getting more involved than Warren in the receiving game, and moving forward, can be viewed as an RB3/flex option. In Week 15, the Steelers take on the Miami Dolphins, who rank middle-of-the-pack in points allowed against opposing running backs.
Dec 12, 2025 10:06 AM EST
Across 13 games this season, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has recorded 657 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 130 touches. The 26-year-old has recorded just 35 rushing yards over the last two weeks, and he's been held to rushing yards or less in five out of his last six games. However, Gainwell has emerged as a safety blanket for Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the passing game. Over the last four weeks, Gainwell has hauled in 21 receptions for 163 yards and two touchdowns on 24 targets. Pittsburgh is splitting backfield snaps between Gainwell and Jaylen Warren, which limits the upside of both players. Still, Gainwell's role as a receiver makes him a viable flex option for fantasy managers. Heading into his Week 15 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, Gainwell is worth rostering in PPR leagues with 10 or more teams.
Dec 8, 2025 10:18 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell had just seven touches in last week's loss but will look to bounce back against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. Despite the light workload in Week 13, Gainwell logged a 42% snap share and posted 25 receiving yards, good enough for third-most on the Steelers. His contributions in the passing game could be especially important on Sunday, as the Ravens surrender the seventh-most targets, ninth-most receptions, and eighth-most receiving yards to opposing running backs. With Pittsburgh lacking consistent playmakers and entering the week as underdogs, quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) will need his weapons to step up in the short passing game. Gainwell fits that role well and profiles as a middling PPR flex option for fantasy managers in Week 14.
Dec 5, 2025 9:18 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell saw just five carries for 20 yards and secured two of his three targets for 25 yards in a 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills. After delivering two straight performances as a fantasy RB1, Gainwell logged his lowest snap share since Week 9 and ceded both targets and goal-line work to Jaylen Warren. Though Gainwell should remain involved down the stretch, it's clear that Pittsburgh prioritizes Warren as its primary ballcarrier. In Week 14, Gainwell will face the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, who have held running backs to the sixth-fewest fantasy points per contest and the 10th-fewest yards per carry over the past eight weeks. The game script could make Gainwell a necessary check-down option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but fantasy managers should view him as a risky flex play on Sunday.
Dec 2, 2025 8:40 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has been on a hot streak lately and will look to carry that momentum into a Week 13 meeting with the Buffalo Bills. The Bills have struggled to stop the run this season, allowing the third-most fantasy points and second-most yards per attempt to opposing running backs. However, they haven't allowed much receiving production to the position, which is noteworthy given Gainwell's significant role as a pass-catcher. Still, he should approach double-digit carries in this one, even with Jaylen Warren playing ahead of him on early downs. Gainwell isn't quite a must-start fantasy option, but with Aaron Rodgers (wrist) back under center, Pittsburgh should keep Sunday's contest competitive enough for him to provide value as a high-end flex play.
Nov 29, 2025 11:08 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell delivered another productive performance in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears, posting 10 carries for 92 yards while adding six receptions (six targets) for 30 yards. Gainwell's receiving workload in recent weeks has made him a viable fantasy option in PPR leagues. It's also been a consistent part of the former Philadelphia Eagle's scoring profile on the season, with four games of at least six receptions, tied with Bijan Robinson for the third most by a running back this season and only trailing De'Von Achane (five games) and Christian McCaffrey (nine). The Pittsburgh backfield has essentially been an even split between Jaylen Warren and Gainwell over the past three weeks. Gainwell holds a slight edge in snap share at 54.7% compared to Warren's 41.9%, though it's worth noting Warren left Week 11 early with an ankle injury. Gainwell has maintained his role in the passing game and could be the preferred option moving forward between the two.
Nov 27, 2025 1:07 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell posted another solid fantasy effort in Week 12's loss to the hosting Chicago Bears, making the team's backfield situation less clear than it was a few weeks ago. Gainwell might not have had as much success as a receiver on Sunday as he did in Week 11's win, though he's now logged at least six receptions in back-to-back games and four or more in three of four. The 26-year-old's elevated workload in Pittsburgh's win over Cincinnati two Sundays ago can be explained away by teammate Jaylen Warren's mid-game injury. However, it's notable that Gainwell retained his passing game role with Warren fully healthy, particularly because offensive coordinator Arthur Smith sang the praises of the former earlier in the week. As it stands, both Steelers' RBs may boast a bit of value. However, Gainwell currently plays a more valuable part in PPR leagues. It's a backfield worth monitoring ahead of the fantasy playoffs.
Nov 24, 2025 11:29 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell had his second straight big game in his team's 31-28 Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears, recording 10 carries for 92 yards and six receptions for 30 yards on six targets. The 26-year-old has emerged as a featured player in the Pittsburgh passing game in recent weeks, recording 13 receptions on 14 targets over the last two games. Notably, fellow Steelers running back Jaylen Warren did not earn a target in Week 12. Gainwell also out-gained Warren 92 yards to 68 yards on the ground, despite logging eight fewer carries. While Pittsburgh is likely to continue featuring both backs, Gainwell may be eating into Warren's playing time with his recent performance. For the season, Gainwell is now averaging over five yards per touch. He's worthy of flex consideration for fantasy managers heading into a Week 13 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Nov 23, 2025 10:00 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell scored two receiving touchdowns last week and will look to carry that momentum into a Week 12 meeting with the Chicago Bears. Although Jaylen Warren (ankle) practiced in full on Thursday and was removed from the injury report, Gainwell could still have an expanded role if Warren is limited in any way on Sunday. The matchup sets up well, as Chicago gives up the fourth-most yards per carry and over 20 fantasy points per contest to opposing running backs. Starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) is questionable, but it's worth noting that much of Gainwell's Week 11 production came with Mason Rudolph under center. While he doesn't offer a particularly safe floor, the 26-year-old profiles as a viable flex option with upside this week.
Nov 21, 2025 7:19 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has emerged as a reliable backup running back this season. Through 10 games, he's totaled 448 yards and five touchdowns on 97 touches. He's been strong in the two games where starter Jaylen Warren either missed or exited early, racking up 239 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 41 touches. With Warren still banged up and an ideal Week 12 matchup on deck against the Chicago Bears, Gainwell could be in line for another heavy workload. Given how efficient he's been both in his backup role and starting role, fantasy managers should view Gainwell as one of the top handcuff running backs to target moving forward.
Nov 19, 2025 10:07 AM EST
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