Kenneth Gainwell

Kenneth Gainwell is set to enter the 2024 fantasy football season as the No. 2 running back for the Philadelphia Eagles. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his role is expected to be limited unless the starting running back, likely Saquon Barkley, is injured. Gainwell's performance last season was somewhat inconsistent, with only two games featuring double-digit touches, resulting in a combined 17.2 PPR Fantasy points. This suggests that he may not be a reliable starter unless circumstances change.

Gainwell's fantasy value is further complicated by the presence of rookie Will Shipley, who is expected to compete for the No. 2 running back spot. Shipley's upside is considered higher by many analysts, which could further reduce Gainwell's opportunities. Therefore, it's advisable to leave Gainwell on the waiver wire unless Barkley's health becomes a concern. Even if Gainwell does get the chance to start, a full committee approach is likely, which would cap his potential.

In his best game last season, Gainwell accumulated 8.3 fantasy points against the Dallas Cowboys, with a stat line of 3 carries for 22 yards and 1 reception for 5 yards. This performance highlights his potential but also underscores the need for consistent playing time to make a significant impact. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Gainwell's preseason and early-season performance to gauge his role more accurately.

For now, Kenneth Gainwell should be viewed as a handcuff running back, meaning he's only worth picking up if you already have Barkley on your roster. His value is contingent on Barkley's health, and even then, the presence of Will Shipley could limit his opportunities. While Gainwell has shown he can contribute, his fantasy relevance in 2024 will likely be tied to the health and performance of the Eagles' starting running back.

Updated 07/30/2024