Who Should I Start? Kenneth Gainwell or Cameron Ward

Saturday, January 3, 4:41 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has been one of the best fantasy values in PPR leagues this season, recording 62 receptions for 410 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. His 62 catches trail only Christian McCaffrey, Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, and De'Von Achane at the running back position. The 26-year-old back continues to split touches with Jaylen Warren, but has maintained a strong fantasy profile due to his high-value touch role. Despite Pittsburgh's only legitimate receiving threat in D.K. Metcalf (suspension) missing last week's game against the Browns, Gainwell totalled his fewest yards from scrimmage (38) since Week 10. The former Philadelphia Eagle should be expected to bounce back in a pivotal Week 18 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens to decide the AFC North. Baltimore ranks middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to running backs, and Gainwell caught six balls and found the end zone against them back in Week 14.

Sunday, January 4, 9:30 PM

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cameron Ward (shoulder) is believed to have suffered a Grade 3 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder during the team's Week 18 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, per Jeff Howe of The Athletic. Ward exited the game in the first quarter after being landed on by a Jacksonville defender. While Tennessee's 2025 season has come to a close, Ward may now face a lengthy rehab process throughout the offseason. Across 17 games as a rookie, the 23-year-old completed 59.8% of his pass attempts for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Ward also rushed for 159 yards and two scores. The Titans will pair Ward with a new head coach in 2026 after firing former head coach Brian Callahan in mid-October. Ward still carries significant upside for the future, but it appears he will have to overcome a substantial shoulder injury as he heads into his second season.