Who Should I Start? Ty Johnson or Kenneth Gainwell

Saturday, November 15, 12:35 AM

Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson continues to operate out of a depth role and is not a reliable fantasy option. Johnson has been the clear No. 2 option behind James Cook this season, primarily checking into the game on occasional passing downs. He has 18 carries and 11 targets so far, ranking as the overall RB70 in PPR leagues. As long as the Bills continue to feed Cook a heavy dose of touches, Johnson and fellow running back Ray Davis will be non-factors in fantasy football. Johnson's only path to fantasy productivity is an injury to Cook, and even then, we could see Davis get the early-down work. The 28-year-old should be left on fantasy waivers in all leagues.

Monday, November 24, 11:29 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell posted another solid fantasy effort in Week 12's loss to the hosting Chicago Bears, making the team's backfield situation less clear than it was a few weeks ago. Gainwell might not have had as much success as a receiver on Sunday as he did in Week 11's win, though he's now logged at least six receptions in back-to-back games and four or more in three of four. The 26-year-old's elevated workload in Pittsburgh's win over Cincinnati two Sundays ago can be explained away by teammate Jaylen Warren's mid-game injury. However, it's notable that Gainwell retained his passing game role with Warren fully healthy, particularly because offensive coordinator Arthur Smith sang the praises of the former earlier in the week. As it stands, both Steelers' RBs may boast a bit of value. However, Gainwell currently plays a more valuable part in PPR leagues. It's a backfield worth monitoring ahead of the fantasy playoffs.