Who Should I Start? Saquon Barkley or Kenneth Gainwell

Friday, December 20, 11:05 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley aims to rebound in Week 16 against the Washington Commanders after being held to just 65 rushing yards in last week's 27-13 win over the Steelers. The game marked Barkley's second-lowest rushing total of the season, snapping his streak of four consecutive 100-yard performances. Barkley also missed part of the second quarter with an undisclosed injury but returned to and finished the game. Washington's run defense presents an opportunity for Barkley to get back on track. The Commanders rank 25th in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (132.1) and have surrendered 13 rushing touchdowns this season. Barkley's ability to exploit favorable matchups makes him a strong RB1 candidate for fantasy managers looking ahead to this divisional showdown.

Sunday, December 8, 10:00 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell rushed three times for 26 yards in Sunday's 22-16 victory over the Carolina Panthers. He also brought in both of his targets for seven yards receiving. The Panthers held tough with Philly all afternoon, with RB Saquon Barkley's production the only of note out of the Eagles' skill players. Still, Gainwell was efficient with his touches, averaging 8.7 yards per carry against a porous Carolina rush defense. The 25-year-old will struggle to put together impressive stat lines while playing behind arguably the league's best running back. However, he remains an elite, must-own handcuff on one of the league's better offenses and would have immediate value and upside if Barkley ever missed time. Gainwell and the Eagles host the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday in Week 15.