Who Should I Start? Josh Jacobs or Kenneth Gainwell

Friday, December 12, 5:21 PM

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (knee) is officially questionable to play against the Denver Broncos on Sunday in Week 15. Jacobs suffered a knee injury in Week 11 against the New York Giants and was held out in Week 12 as a precaution. The 27-year-old only missed one game, though, and handled his normal workhorse role the last two weeks, with 37 rushing attempts for 169 yards and one touchdown on the ground. Jacobs' knee stiffened up on him on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, though, prompting him to undergo an MRI exam. Tests have thankfully turned up negative for any structural damage, but his status for Week 15 is in question. It creates a difficult decision for fantasy managers this weekend, especially since the Packers and Broncos square off in the late window on Sunday. Jacobs has been a must-start RB1 in fantasy in 2025 with 12 touchdowns in 12 games, but he could be at less than full strength against a Broncos defense that allows the second-fewest rushing yards per game (89). Emanuel Wilson is worth a speculative waiver-wire pickup in case Jacobs is ruled out entirely on Sunday.

Friday, December 12, 10:06 AM

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.