Who Should I Start? Craig Reynolds or Kenneth Gainwell

Saturday, December 21, 8:32 AM

Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds is a popular waiver-wire addition ahead of Week 16 against the Chicago Bears but it might be best to check on his role and usage before plugging him into lineups. With David Montgomery (knee) out, it is natural to think that Reynolds could step into the tandem running back role with Jahmyr Gibbs and produce numbers that could be useful for fantasy. But Gibbs could dominate the backfield and be in line for expanded usage and a more featured role with Reynolds and Sione Vaki giving him rest spells. Reynolds could factor into the Lions game plan but in the fantasy playoffs this week it is risky to take that chance and would be better to trust a more reliable option at the position.

Saturday, December 21, 2:34 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell should not be started in any formats this weekend when he faces the Washington Commanders. Throughout the season, Gainwell has continued to be deployed as the clear No.2 option behind Saquon Barkley. However, with Saquon Barkley operating in a workhorse role, Gainwell has averaged just 4.5 attempts per game over the past eight weeks. While he has had limited opportunities he has posted a solid 4.7 yards per carry during this span and found the back of the end zone once. While Barkley will dominate the touches throughout the game, if the Eagles begin have a significant lead, they may opt to let Gainwell close out the afternoon to protect Barkley for the postseason. Given his minimal role on the offense, fantasy managers should continue to view him as a pure handcuff that holds very little standalone value.