Who Should I Start? Kenneth Gainwell or Brashard Smith

Wednesday, October 15, 8:53 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell earned 12 opportunities in last week's win over the Cleveland Browns and should remain involved in another divisional matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. With Jaylen Warren handling RB1 duties, Gainwell can't expect a heavy workload, but he could still make some noise for fantasy purposes. Cincinnati has struggled to contain opposing running backs both on the ground and through the air this season, surrendering the most fantasy points per game to the position. Gainwell doesn't need to be rostered in all redraft leagues, but he's a viable flex option in a pinch on Thursday night.

Wednesday, October 15, 9:42 AM

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith from SMU took a step backward in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions, not seeing a single carry, playing a lower snap percentage, and making only three receptions in the passing game during the Chiefs' 30-17 win over the Lions. However, due to the matchup against the Lions, head coach Andy Reid wanted to lean on his veterans, as the game was crucial to the Kansas City Chiefs, who were sitting at (2-3). With the Las Vegas Raiders on deck in Week 7, and most sportsbooks labeling the Chiefs as 11.5-point favorites, Smith should get some additional work and snaps in this one, making him a long-shot play in Week 7 and a value-add in deeper leagues if it's a breakout game for him. The other Chiefs running backs, Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, have both been relatively inefficient with their opportunities, averaging 4.2 and 3.82 YPC, respectively.