Who Should I Start? Kenneth Gainwell or Isiah Pacheco

Tuesday, October 21, 9:53 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell was quiet in Week 7, handling just three carries for 14 yards and gaining only one yard on two receptions in a 33-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Meanwhile, backfield mate Jaylen Warren exploded for 158 total yards on 20 touches. Although Gainwell impressed when Warren missed Week 4, it is clear that he will operate in a purely complementary role as long as both backs are healthy. He could occasionally contribute in the passing game as a check-down option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but Gainwell's standalone fantasy value has taken a significant hit over the past two weeks. The fifth-year pro will likely be dropped in shallow redraft leagues and should be viewed as a handcuff heading into a Week 8 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

Saturday, October 18, 12:26 AM

Kansas City running back Isiah Pacheco will face the Las Vegas Raiders at home in Week 7. Pacheco turned 12 carries in 51 rushing yards against the Detroit Lions in Week 6. Despite the 30-17 victory last week, Pacheco was unable to turn in a productive fantasy performance, but there are reasons for optimism moving forward. His 12 carries in Week 6 were a season-high and double the number of carries Kareem Hunt handled on Monday night. Pacheco's 51 rushing yards were also a season-high and hopefully a sign of things to come. The 26-year-old still has not collected a rushing touchdown this season, but that could change against the Raiders this week. Las Vegas has allowed the fifth-most rushing touchdowns this season. Pacheco has been efficient on limited touches this season, and his usage could be trending up. Pacheco is ranked RB28 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a flex-worthy player this week.