Who Should I Start? Saquon Barkley or Kenneth Gainwell

Thursday, November 27, 1:03 AM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby could get his breakout moment this Friday if Saquon Barkley (groin) is unable to suit up. Bigsby is the only Philly RB besides Barkley to get any carries in the last two weeks, and would likely get his number called as the next man up should the Eagles' primary backfield option miss the game against Chicago. While the former Jaguar hasn't seen a ton of action since being traded to Philadelphia earlier this season, he has shown promise with his limited opportunities. In 10 games, Bigsby has carried the ball 18 times for 164 yards for an average of 9.1 yards per carry. The Eagles offensive live is always going to be a huge benefactor to whoever gets the handoffs, and fellow RB Will Shipley would probably be used more in the passing game. If he does get the starting nod, Bigsby should be seen as at least a mid-level RB2 against a Bears defense allowing the 14th-most fantasy points to RBs.

Tuesday, December 2, 8:40 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell saw just five carries for 20 yards and secured two of his three targets for 25 yards in a 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills. After delivering two straight performances as a fantasy RB1, Gainwell logged his lowest snap share since Week 9 and ceded both targets and goal-line work to Jaylen Warren. Though Gainwell should remain involved down the stretch, it's clear that Pittsburgh prioritizes Warren as its primary ballcarrier. In Week 14, Gainwell will face the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, who have held running backs to the sixth-fewest fantasy points per contest and the 10th-fewest yards per carry over the past eight weeks. The game script could make Gainwell a necessary check-down option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but fantasy managers should view him as a risky flex play on Sunday.