Who Should I Start? Kenneth Gainwell or Bijan Robinson

Sunday, February 1, 6:17 AM

According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com, "it seems more likely" that Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell will sign with a new team during free agency. He had an impressive one-year stint in Pittsburgh, totaling 537 rushing yards, 73 catches, 486 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. He finished as the overall RB16 in full-PPR leagues, which was the best mark of his career. Gainwell's strong campaign in Pittsburgh raised his anticipated market value this offseason. While the Steelers would presumably be open to bringing him back, he's expected to fetch a decent-sized contract in free agency. "The Steelers haven't typically given big contracts to running backs," Pryor writes. She also notes that the vision for the backfield could look different with head coach Mike McCarthy replacing ex-offensive coordinator Arthur Smith as the team's play-caller. All signs point to Gainwell playing somewhere else in 2026.

Thursday, January 29, 3:47 PM

The Athletic's Josh Kendall writes that it's clear from new head coach Kevin Stefanski's past that running back Bijan Robinson can "expect his heavy workload to continue" in 2026. Kendall even thinks that Robinson's workload could increase as he enters his fourth year in the NFL. The 23-year-old led the league in scrimmage yards (2,298) in 2025, putting him firmly in the running for the Offensive Player of the Year award. Robinson has been the only player in the league with more than 1,000 combined rushes and receptions since he was drafted eighth overall in 2023. He finished behind only Christian McCaffrey and Jonathan Taylor in half-PPR points last season, carrying the ball 287 times for 1,478 yards and seven touchdowns. Robinson added 79 receptions for 820 yards and four more TDs on 103 targets over 17 games. There's an argument to be made for Robinson being the No. 1 overall pick in 2026 fantasy football drafts.