Who Should I Start? Kenny Gainwell or Tyjae Spears


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
9.5 28.1 0.2 2.8 19.8 0.1

Kenny Gainwell News

Kenny Gainwell Can Establish a Meaningful Role in the Early Days of Training Camp

Monday, July 20, 12:38 PM

Veteran running back Kenny Gainwell led the Pittsburgh Steelers with 73 receptions in 2025 on his way to an RB20 finish, and in signing a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, he inherits a role that saw Rachaad White average nearly 56 targets per year over the past four seasons. After splitting the Steelers' backfield with do-it-all back Jaylen Warren, he will now form a tandem with third-year pro Bucky Irving, another player capable of contributing both on the ground and through the air. Irving struggled through an injury-marred sophomore campaign and was not present for minicamp as he recovered from offseason shoulder surgery. The expectation is that he will return at some point during training camp, but with his timeline still not fully clear, Gainwell could have the opportunity to build an early chemistry with the first-team offense when padded practices commence at the end of the month. At RotoBaller's RB36, Gainwell's standalone receiving work will keep him in the weekly flex conversation, but if at any point he's tasked with handling a larger role, he could prove to be a steal in 2026 drafts.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
8.0 23.9 0.2 2.5 16.7 0.1

Tyjae Spears News

Tyjae Spears Entering a Make-or-Break Season for Fantasy

Saturday, July 18, 8:25 AM

Entering his fourth professional season having never topped the RB35 finish of his rookie campaign, the door still has not fully closed for Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears to find fantasy relevance in 2026. A capable pass-catcher throughout his career, Spears could find fresh opportunities with a new coaching staff inheriting a running back room that is not teeming with insurmountable talent. New offensive coordinator Brian Daboll has some familiarity with Tony Pollard from their time together in the NFC East, but he's long shown a willingness to ride the hot hand, turning his 2025 Giants backfield over to fourth-round rookie Cam Skattebo almost immediately. The Titans selected Penn State's Nicholas Singleton in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, muddying the waters slightly, but if Spears can maintain a primary pass-catching role while working his way into more of an early-down rotation, he could prove to have some usable flex weeks throughout the year. At RotoBaller's RB49, he's unlikely to be selected outside of the deepest of 2026 drafts, but he's a player to keep tabs on early in the season as a potential waiver add.


Kenny Gainwell vs. Tyjae Spears

Still trying to decide between Gainwell and Spears? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Kenny Gainwell is projected to score 9.5 points this week while Tyjae Spears is projected to score 8.0 points.