Who Should I Start? Kenneth Gainwell or Bijan Robinson

Friday, December 26, 8:47 PM

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.

Saturday, December 27, 4:05 PM

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is coming off the second straight week in which he's produced at least 168 total yards and a touchdown, currently sitting as a top-five running back in season-long fantasy. The 23-year-old even led the team with 11 targets in Week 16 despite the return of Drake London (knee). The work in the passing game provides the workhorse back with a high weekly floor, and he may need it in a Week 17 matchup against the Rams, who have limited opposing running backs to the fourth-fewest fantasy points this season, and are yielding just 97.3 rush yards per game over their last three (fifth-fewest). Expect the third-year pro to be heavily involved once again in a home game on Monday night, and with a high expected point total in this one (49.5), there should be plenty of scoring, making Robinson a high-end RB1 again in Week 17.