Who Should I Start? Terry McLaurin or Kenny Gainwell


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
12.6 0.1 0.0 4.3 58.6 0.4

Terry McLaurin News

Terry McLaurin a Prime Bounce-Back Candidate Entering 2026

Tuesday, July 21, 11:47 AM

After a high-profile contract disagreement that led to him missing most of last summer, Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin had his 2025 season derailed by quad and core injuries that caused him to miss seven games. The veteran wideout remained a productive player when healthy, recording 38 catches for 582 yards and three touchdowns on 60 targets across 10 games. McLaurin also has a long track record of being one of the most durable pass-catchers in the NFL, playing in 17 games in four consecutive seasons leading into 2025. McLaurin is now entering his age-31 campaign, which leads to some obvious concerns about age-related regression. However, he should have the benefit of a fully healthy offseason leading into 2026. McLaurin also profiles as the obvious number one option in the Commanders' passing game, and he'll have a chance to renew his chemistry with Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels after the two shared the field for just three games last season. As the WR24 by current redraft ADP, McLaurin could end up as a value selection for fantasy managers.


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 Used "Primarily as a Receiver"

Friday, July 31, 12:20 PM

During Friday's training camp practice, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving saw most of the first-team work, with Kenny Gainwell "primarily utilized as a receiver out of the backfield," according to Adam Slivon of PewterReport.com. Gainwell was quarterback Baker Mayfield's primary checkdown option out of the backfield as well, which is where he thrived last year with the Pittsburgh Steelers and veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, catching a career-high 73 passes for 489 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 85 targets in 17 regular-season games. Rachaad White is no longer in Tampa, but the Bucs signed the 27-year-old Gainwell to a two-year, $14 million contract to help complement Irving. Irving should be Tampa's primary early-down back, but there are signs that the Buccaneers want to manage his workload after a down sophomore season in 2025 due to ankle and shoulder injuries. Gainwell is primarily a pass-catching back, but he has also averaged 4.4 yards per carry as a runner in his five NFL seasons, and he probably won't strictly be a third-down option for head coach Todd Bowles. The former fifth-rounder in 2021 by the Philadelphia Eagles is an ascending RB3/flex play (more valuable in PPR leagues) as he enters his first year in Tampa.


Terry McLaurin vs. Kenny Gainwell

Still trying to decide between McLaurin and Gainwell? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Terry McLaurin is projected to score 12.6 points this week while Kenny Gainwell is projected to score 9.5 points.