The constant rotation of running backs in the Philadelphia backfield continues into Week 17, proving that the Eagles’ RB stable is consistently inconsistent this year. With Miles Sanders slated to be out this week with a broken hand, what should fantasy football managers expect from Jordan Howard, Boston Scott, and Kenneth Gainwell for our fantasy championships?
If Jordan Howard plays, he’s the lead guy
Howard is dealing with a neck injury. However, head coach Nick Sirianni has not ruled him out for this week against the Washington Football Team. We will await further information on Howard as the week goes on, but if he’s active, he’s the lead back in Philadelphia.
Howard has handled the lead-back duties five times this year and has averaged 13.2 carries for 68.6 yards in those contests. His 5.2 yards per carry is a healthy number, and he found the end zone 3 times in those five games.
Yet, Howard has scarcely been used in the passing game. Thus, even if Howard is active, opportunities for Scott — and particularly Gainwell — in the offense will be there.
Even if Howard is on the field as the “lead back,” this team deploys multiple running backs in the most run-heavy offense in all of football. The Eagles have run the ball 37.3 times per game over the last three weeks. That means there will be plenty of meat on the bone for whoever plays.
If Howard doesn’t play, then Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell both have plenty of value
With Howard dealing with his neck injury, there’s a possibility that he’ll miss this game. If that’s the case, the Eagles will be down to just Scott and Gainwell.
Both backs would likely be utilized heavily. Scott and Gainwell have each shown the ability to be relied upon this year when given the chance to do so.
For me, Scott would be the option with the most appeal. While Gainwell is an elusive back that has great receiving abilities, he has only topped 4 targets in a game three times this year. The system simply doesn’t feature a pass-catching running back.
Scott would be in line for a heavy workload (think 16+ carries) with Gainwell factoring in as well. Gainwell has seen double-digit carries twice this season. I would expect him to do it again if Howard misses this week. With that said, I would trust Scott as an RB2, with Gainwell as a flex play.
Fantasy expectations for Howard, Scott, and Gainwell
In a Week 15 game that was rescheduled to that Tuesday because of a COVID outbreak for the Washington Football Team, the Eagles ran all over Washington for 238 yards. Whoever will be in line to lead the Eagles’ ground attack in Week 17 will be in a position to post very solid fantasy numbers.
If Howard plays, you play him as a solid RB2. Additionally, you can feel comfortable slotting Scott in as a flex. Gainwell figures to be the odd man out. If Howard can’t play, then Scott slides up, and Gainwell gains (pun intended) flex value. This ground game will keep humming no matter who’s in at RB.