Who Should I Start? Travis Etienne Jr. or Kenny Gainwell

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Week 1 Projections

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Travis Etienne Jr. News

Can Travis Etienne Jr. Become a Top-Tier Dynasty Running Back?

Monday, June 15, 5:13 AM

After five years and four seasons with the Jaguars, running back Travis Etienne Jr. signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the New Orleans Saints, and just a year after entering the 2025 season in a somewhat ambiguous backfield, there is little doubt about his every-down role in Kellen Moore's up-tempo offense. In year one under Moore, with a rookie quarterback at the helm for much of the season, the Saints had the fastest pace of play in the NFL. As the operation continues to develop, there's a reasonable expectation for an uptick of no-huddle usage and more offensive plays per game, with Etienne specifically targeted in free agency for his three-down ability. With Alvin Kamara still on the roster, the depth behind Etienne is strong, but with both the Cowboys and Eagles, Moore has a history of running his offenses through a bell cow back. At 27 years old, Etienne figures to be that guy for the foreseeable future, and at RotoBaller's dynasty RB19, he's a player worth pursuing as the finishing piece of a contending roster.

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Week 1 Projections

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Pts.		 Rush.
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TD		 Rec. Rec.
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Kenny Gainwell News

Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell to be Used Interchangeably?

Friday, June 26, 7:14 PM

The Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud doesn't think the Tampa Bay Buccaneers want to give running back Bucky Irving 15-plus carries again in 2026 due to injury concerns. When discussing newcomer Kenneth Gainwell, who was the MVP of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense last year, Stroud said, "That's not backup money. I think they will go with the hot hand." The Bucs signed Gainwell to a two-year, $14 million contract in free agency in March after the 27-year-old had a career year in 2025 in the Steel City, carrying the ball 114 times for 537 yards (4.7 yards per carry) and five touchdowns while catching 73 passes for 486 yards and three touchdowns on 85 targets as a pass-catcher in 17 regular-season games (two starts). Tampa's offense is switching to more outside zone as well, which could favor Gainwell in his new digs. It's obviously bad news for Irving and his fantasy stock going into 2026 after he played in just 10 games due to injuries in Year 2. Fantasy managers should target the 23-year-old as more of an RB3/flex than a legitimate RB2, with Gainwell gaining steam as an RB3/flex with more appeal in PPR leagues.

Travis Etienne Jr. vs. Kenny Gainwell

Still trying to decide between Etienne Jr. and Gainwell? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Travis Etienne Jr. is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Kenny Gainwell is projected to score 0.0 points.