Who Should I Start? Dalvin Cook or Kenneth Gainwell

Saturday, November 9, 6:56 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Dalvin Cook won't be elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Cook has been on the active roster for each of the last two games, but hasn't done much damage on the field. He has rushed eight times for 20 yards over his past two appearances. The Cowboys have decided to go a different route this weekend. Instead, Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn will split up the carries in the backfield. Out of the trio, Dowdle is the most reliable option with a 75-yard performance during last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Fantasy managers still holding onto Cook are probably safe to look elsewhere for help.

Tuesday, October 21, 9:53 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell was quiet in Week 7, handling just three carries for 14 yards and gaining only one yard on two receptions in a 33-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Meanwhile, backfield mate Jaylen Warren exploded for 158 total yards on 20 touches. Although Gainwell impressed when Warren missed Week 4, it is clear that he will operate in a purely complementary role as long as both backs are healthy. He could occasionally contribute in the passing game as a check-down option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but Gainwell's standalone fantasy value has taken a significant hit over the past two weeks. The fifth-year pro will likely be dropped in shallow redraft leagues and should be viewed as a handcuff heading into a Week 8 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.