Who Should I Start? Kenneth Gainwell or Raheem Blackshear

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, December 15, 12:30 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Raheem Blackshear (chest) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Blackshear suffered a contusion last week, and while there was a chance he'd get healthy in time to face Dallas, that's ultimately not the case. With both Blackshear and Jonathon Brooks (torn ACL) sidelined, Carolina will proceed with Chuba Hubbard leading the way while Mike Boone and Velus Jones Jr. fill depth roles.