Who Should I Start? Kenneth Gainwell or Jaret Patterson

Thursday, January 29, 4:10 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell was one of the more surprising breakout players of the 2025 season, recording 1,023 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns on 187 touches across 17 games played. Gainwell emerged as one of the favorite targets of Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as he hauled in 73 receptions for 486 yards and three scores on 85 targets. Coming off the best season of his career, Gainwell is now set to hit unrestricted free agency. If retained by Pittsburgh, Gainwell would likely remain in a playing time split with Steelers running back Jaylen Warren. However, the Steelers have moved on from 2025 offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and may bring in a new quarterback for the 2026 season as well. As such, a return to Pittsburgh would not necessarily guarantee Gainwell the same role he enjoyed this past season. Fantasy managers should closely monitor Gainwell's free agency, as his next team will likely play a significant factor in his value going forward.

Monday, December 1, 6:41 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson carried the ball 11 times for 54 yards and a touchdown in the team's 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. After being signed to the active roster early last week, Patterson served as the primary back behind Kimani Vidal as the Chargers totaled 192 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Patterson looked decisive and scored his first rushing touchdown of the season as the offense relied heavily on the ground game following Justin Herbert's hand injury. Looking ahead, rookie Omarion Hampton's return from IR is imminent after his 21-day practice window opened last week, which would move Patterson behind Hampton and Vidal. Next Monday night, the Bolts face a Philadelphia Eagles defense that has recently been vulnerable against the run. However, Patterson's fantasy value depends entirely on Hampton's availability in Week 14. If Hampton returns, Patterson might not even see the field. If he doesn't, Patterson will remain a depth piece with a few change-of-pace carries.