In today’s NFL, multiple running backs can make plays. Gone are the days of running backs getting 25-30 carries consistently, and you have to have that backup that can come in and give the starter a breather.
Running backs Kenneth Gainwell and Joshua Kelley are two guys who have shown the ability to fill in for their respective starters and have big games. With that in mind, which of these two running backs should fantasy football managers be ready to have in their lineup?
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Kenneth Gainwell’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
Gainwell enters the week as RB41 in the PFN Consensus Rankings as the Philadelphia Eagles play host to the Miami Dolphins. When you see those two teams playing, it looks like there could be a lot of points in this game. The Dolphins enter this game leading the NFL in scoring (37.2), while the Eagles are fifth (25.8).
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Gainwell entered the season as the No. 1 running back in Philadelphia but suffered an injury and missed Week 2. In that game, D’Andre Swift rushed for 175 yards and one touchdown and took over the job. Gainwell has run the ball only 13 times for 44 yards in the last three games.
Joshua Kelley’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
With starting running back Austin Ekeler out the past few weeks, Kelley had gotten the ball at a consistent rate. In the first four games of the year, Kelley had 14.3 carries, getting at least 11 in every game. However, Ekeler was back and healthy against the Dallas Cowboys, leaving Kelley with one carry for two yards.
The Chargers are going up against one of the best defenses in the NFL, as the Kansas City Chiefs are fifth in total yards (284 yards). They are fifth against pass and 12th against the run.
With Ekeler back, Kelley’s role in this offense is significantly different. It is hard to see a scenario where he comes close to getting the 14.3 carries unless Ekeler gets hurt again.
Which of the Running Backs Should You Start?
The Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer says that Gainwell is the player to start. His projected 6.6 points include 15 rushing yards, two receptions, and 15 yards. That doesn’t seem like a big stat line. It still outperforms the consensus projection for Kelley (6.4), though.
Neither of these guys figures to have monster games, but I am going to stick with the Start/Sit Optimizer on this one and go with Gainwell. The biggest reason is the difference in the opposing defenses. Kelley is going up against that Chiefs defense that has proven to be one of the best and most complete in the league. While the Dolphins have shown that they can score with anybody, the defense has had issues.
When the Dolphins defense has faced a good offense, they have given up 34 points to the Chargers and 48 to the Bills. The Eagles should be able to move the ball against the Dolphins, making it more likely Gainwell has a big game.