The final week of the fantasy football season is here, but that doesn’t mean the grind stops. Between injuries, COVID-19, and matchups, most fantasy managers still need to improve their lineups. The Eagles’ backfield presents an opportunity to do just that. With Miles Sanders likely out due to a hand injury, should fantasy managers add Jordan Howard, Boston Scott, or Kenneth Gainwell off the Week 17 waiver wire?
Miles Sanders is the clear lead back when healthy
It took a couple of months, but Miles Sanders finally became the clear lead back for the Eagles. He will be the only Eagles running back worth starting if he can play.
Unfortunately, Sanders is believed to have broken his hand in Sunday’s win over the Giants. If true, Sanders would undoubtedly miss some time. His exact timetable is unknown right now, but the immediate concern is Week 17 and Sanders not being part of it.
What does this backfield look like without Miles Sanders?
At various points this season, we’ve seen Sanders, Howard, Scott, and Gainwell have fantasy-relevant performances. For much of the season, fantasy managers have had to guess (often incorrectly) at how the Eagles would distribute touches in Sanders’ absence.
The last time Sanders went down (Week 7), it corresponded with a big Gainwell outing. Gainwell saw 13 total opportunities, which he turned into 61 yards and a touchdown. Heading into Week 8, it seemed as if Gainwell would be the primary beneficiary. Instead, it was all Howard and Scott, with Gainwell not touching the ball until garbage time in a 44-6 blowout of the Lions. What should fantasy managers expect this time around?
Should fantasy managers add Jordan Howard, Boston Scott, or Kenneth Gainwell this week?
It only took 16 weeks, but we know the structure of the Eagles’ backfield now: Sanders-Howard-Scott-Gainwell.
Assuming Sanders is out, fantasy managers should prioritize adding Howard. The former Bears and Dolphins RB has been sneaky efficient this season, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. The only concern is Howard suffered an injury of his own last week.
Howard left the game in the second half due to a stinger. It doesn’t sound like anything that will keep him out of Week 17’s contest, but it’s worth noting. There are no more stashes. No more taking shots on handcuff running backs or breakout wide receivers. There is no benefit in adding any player that cannot help you this week (outside of dynasty formats, of course).
If Howard can go next week, he will be a touchdown-dependent RB2 against a Washington defense that just surrendered 2 touchdowns to Ezekiel Elliott. Howard had 15 carries for 69 yards against them in Week 15. He is the priority pickup for those looking to grab the Eagles’ lead back, whether for their own benefit or to block their opponents.
Should fantasy managers consider adding Boston Scott?
It’s Week 17. Any player on your roster you aren’t going to start that also wouldn’t be of use to your opponent can be dropped. You may very well be better off throwing both Howard and Scott on your bench just in case.
Last week, Scott played 32% of the snaps and carried the ball 12 times for 43 yards and a touchdown. Scott has proven capable in a pinch. He’s given fantasy managers an RB1 week, two RB2 weeks, and an RB3 week this season. Scott would be a dart throw RB3 if Sanders is out and a locked-in RB2 if Howard is out as well.
Do fantasy managers have any reason to add Kenneth Gainwell?
Simply put? No. Howard wasn’t even on the roster when the season started, and Scott didn’t play a single offensive snap in five of the first six weeks. This backfield belonged to Sanders and Gainwell.
Evidently, something happened behind the scenes that we don’t know about because Gainwell has fallen completely out of favor. Last week, even after Sanders and Howard left the game, Gainwell played all of 2 offensive snaps. Even if Sanders and Howard are out this week, you’re not starting Gainwell, which means there’s no reason to add him.