Who Should I Start? Kenneth Gainwell or Pierre Strong Jr.

Saturday, December 21, 2:34 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell should not be started in any formats this weekend when he faces the Washington Commanders. Throughout the season, Gainwell has continued to be deployed as the clear No.2 option behind Saquon Barkley. However, with Saquon Barkley operating in a workhorse role, Gainwell has averaged just 4.5 attempts per game over the past eight weeks. While he has had limited opportunities he has posted a solid 4.7 yards per carry during this span and found the back of the end zone once. While Barkley will dominate the touches throughout the game, if the Eagles begin have a significant lead, they may opt to let Gainwell close out the afternoon to protect Barkley for the postseason. Given his minimal role on the offense, fantasy managers should continue to view him as a pure handcuff that holds very little standalone value.

Sunday, October 27, 9:48 AM

Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. is expected to serve as the top backup for the Week 8 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The Browns are shorthanded at running back with Jerome Ford (hamstring) sidelined again. That means, Strong should get mixed in as the change-of-pace back behind Nick Chubb. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect much from Strong considering he rushed for six yards on three attempts last week. His role is likely going to be minimal with Chubb gaining more snaps each week. Fantasy managers should be able to find more production elsewhere.