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
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell had nine rushing attempts for 24 yards in the Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, adding a season-high seven receptions on eight targets for 81 yards and receiving touchdowns. The 26-year-old played 63% of the offensive snaps, his second-highest mark of the year, but it coincided with lead back Jaylen Warren (ankle) getting injured in the third quarter and never returning. Warren said after Sunday's win that he could have retaken the field, but the decision to sit out the rest of the game "was part of being smart." It looks like Warren has avoided a serious injury, but fantasy managers with Warren rostered or who need RB depth should consider Gainwell a speculative pickup going into Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. Gainwell is only rostered in 32% of Yahoo leagues.
Nov 17, 2025 12:14 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell was a stud through the air during Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Gainwell saw increased playing time with Jaylen Warren (ankle) barely playing in the second half. The 26-year-old rushed the ball nine times and was held to 26 yards on the ground. However, Gainwell was excellent in the receiving game this weekend. He hauled in seven of his eight targets for 81 yards and scored two touchdowns in the win. Gainwell could see a larger workload if Warren is forced to miss time. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update. Gainwell could be a popular waiver wire addition ahead of the Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears.
Nov 16, 2025 6:59 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell continues to trend up ahead of Sunday's Week 11 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. Gainwell is coming off a game against the Chargers that saw him play 52 percent of the offensive snaps, which was his third-highest mark of the season so far. Despite out-snapping Jaylen Warren, he had just two catches and zero carries. We expect to see Gainwell handle a sizable snap share once again after head coach Mike Tomlin told the media that Warren cannot occupy an every-down role. Whether this means the backfield will gradually shift to Gainwell remains to be seen. The comments are promising for Gainwell's managers, but it's too early to inject him into lineups after he touched the ball just twice last week. For now, he remains a bench stash.
Nov 16, 2025 9:47 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has had a solid season while serving as the No. 2 back behind Jaylen Warren and could be in line for more opportunities moving forward. Head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Warren "simply cannot play every down" when asked if he should play more snaps. Gainwell has played mostly on pass downs with Warren healthy and actually outsnapped him 27 to 24 in Pittsburgh's Week 10 loss to the Chargers. The Steelers were trailing for most of the game, which led to the uptick in snaps for the 26-year-old, but he had only three receptions for four yards on four targets. Tomlin also pointed out that if the Steelers win more on third down, then Warren will get more touches. Pittsburgh was unable to sustain drives on Sunday night, going just two for 11 on third downs. Gainwell should continue to play a prominent role on late downs with the potential to fill in as the workhorse if Warren were to miss any time.
Nov 11, 2025 4:11 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell hasn't been able to make much of an impact lately. Last week, Gainwell rushed three times for -1 yards, while hauling in four of his five targets for 35 yards through the air in the win over the Indianapolis Colts. Gainwell has taken a backseat to Jaylen Warren in the backfield this season. The only time Gainwell had solid value was the week that Warren didn't play. Outside of that, Gainwell has seen minimal role on offense. Gainwell figures to see a handful of carries and a few targets in the receiving game. He won't carry viable fantasy value in Week 10 unless it's a high PPR league.
Nov 8, 2025 6:48 PM EST
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