Who Should I Start? Kenneth Gainwell or James Cook

Saturday, September 23, 4:45 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell (ribs) is off the injury report and will play in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The former Memphis star missed last week's matchup against the Minnesota Vikings after suffering a rib injury in Week 1. Gainwell played well on opening weekend against the New England Patriots, totaling 14 rushing attempts for 54 yards. The third-year running back also caught all four targets for 20 receiving yards in the win. Last week, D'Andre Swift filled in for Gainwell, totaling 28 rushing attempts for 175 yards and a touchdown against the Vikings. Fantasy players should expect both running backs to get work Monday night.

Friday, September 22, 2:08 PM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook excited fantasy managers with a huge 159-yard showing in Week 2's dismantling of the Las Vegas Raiders. The 23-year-old next challenges the Washington Commanders, who have held James Conner and Javonte Williams to scoreless 14/62 and 12/44 rushing lines respectively in the opening two games. Washington's defense has proven to be slightly more vulnerable in the backend, if anything, with their ravenous defensive line, so Cook will likely need to break away for some explosive runs on the outside to penetrate this unit. Buffalo has constantly utilized him on counter plays, so expect that usage to persist in an effort to get the dynamic Cook to the second level of the field. Due to zero red-zone touches on the young season, however, the 2022 second-rounder is stuck as a high-floor RB2 in Week 3 and until further notice.