Who Should I Start? Kenneth Gainwell or Isiah Pacheco

Thursday, November 27, 1:07 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell delivered another productive performance in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears, posting 10 carries for 92 yards while adding six receptions (six targets) for 30 yards. Gainwell's receiving workload in recent weeks has made him a viable fantasy option in PPR leagues. It's also been a consistent part of the former Philadelphia Eagle's scoring profile on the season, with four games of at least six receptions, tied with Bijan Robinson for the third most by a running back this season and only trailing De'Von Achane (five games) and Christian McCaffrey (nine). The Pittsburgh backfield has essentially been an even split between Jaylen Warren and Gainwell over the past three weeks. Gainwell holds a slight edge in snap share at 54.7% compared to Warren's 41.9%, though it's worth noting Warren left Week 11 early with an ankle injury. Gainwell has maintained his role in the passing game and could be the preferred option moving forward between the two.

Thursday, November 27, 12:13 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) doesn't have an injury designation heading into Thanksgiving's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Pacheco has missed three straight games since suffering an MCL sprain during Kansas City's Week 8 win over the Washington Commanders. The 26-year-old logged three full practices this week, and it will be interesting to see how the running back touches will be distributed in his return on Thursday. Kareem Hunt has handled a big workload in Pacheco's absence, and just recorded a career high 30 carries in last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts. Rookie Brashard Smith has held a small role, mostly on designed touches. Pacheco was the Chiefs' leading rusher before getting injured, but he will likely be eased back into action and split touches with Hunt. He is ranked as RotoBaller's RB41 in PPR leagues for Thanksgiving's game against the Cowboys.