Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Kenneth Gainwell

Saturday, October 11, 1:42 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine had only 52 yards off nine carries in the first five games of the 2025 campaign, adding four receptions for eight yards. While most assumed Chase Brown would lead the way out of the backfield this season, fantasy managers are still disappointed with Perine's lack of involvement and production. The 30-year-old logged 29 snaps in the Week 5 loss to the Detroit Lions, suggesting more involvement could be on the horizon for the Week 6 meeting with the Green Bay Packers. However, until Perine does something meaningful to benefit managers, it's best to leave him out of any fantasy lineup versus the Packers. That outlook likely won't change in the weeks ahead unless Brown goes down with an injury.

Friday, October 10, 11:22 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell played incredibly well in Week 4 and will return from a bye to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 6. Though he should still be involved, the return of Jaylen Warren (knee) certainly puts a cap on Gainwell's upside. To make matters worse, Gainwell will need to overcome a Cleveland defense that has limited opposing backs to the third-fewest fantasy points per contest. Because he can contribute in the passing game, Gainwell isn't entirely touchdown-dependent, but it's difficult to expect another big performance. Fantasy managers should treat Gainwell as a low-end flex option that can be started in a pinch this week.