Who Should I Start? Kenneth Gainwell or Dameon Pierce

Monday, September 29, 9:15 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell was inserted into the number one running back role when Jaylen Warren (knee) was a late scratch from Sunday's contest against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Gainwell tallied 99 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries in the Steelers' 24-21 win over the Vikings. He also caught all six of his targets for 35 yards and scored from one and four yards out. Gainwell has solidified himself as the team's clear-cut number two back, and will be a hot waiver-wire pickup this week if he wasn't already rostered. With the Steelers heading into their Week 5 bye week, Warren may likely recover and return in Week 6 as the primary back for the Steelers; however, based on the way that Gainwell played on Sunday, it's likely he gets more involved down the stretch.

Sunday, October 5, 12:32 PM

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce is active for Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Baltimore Ravens. He had previously been a healthy scratch and hasn't seen the field since the season opener. While this week's development is a step in the right direction for Pierce, his exact role remains unclear. Houston has a very crowded backfield with Nick Chubb and Woody Marks atop the depth chart, as well as British Brooks, Dare Ogunbowale, and Pierce in depth roles. The former Florida product should be avoided in all fantasy leagues as long as the rest of his fellow running backs stay healthy.