The Pittsburgh Steelers’ backfield hierarchy appeared settled after Kenneth Gainwell’s impressive Week 4 performance. Jaylen Warren’s return from injury in Week 6 created questions about how the coaching staff would distribute touches moving forward. Can fantasy football managers trust either Steelers runner on Thursday night against Cincinnati?
Jaylen Warren Fantasy Outlook
Warren missed Week 4 as a surprise inactive just before Pittsburgh’s overseas game, then sat out the Week 5 bye for additional recovery. His return in Week 6 immediately reestablished him as the clear lead back despite Gainwell’s 30-point fantasy performance during his absence. Warren handled 11 carries and two targets while playing 53% of snaps against Cleveland.
His 63 total yards on 13 opportunities represented modest production, but the volume distribution demonstrated the coaching staff’s continued trust in his abilities. Warren averaged 4.7 yards per carry, showing efficiency despite the limited statistical output. His role as the primary early-down option remains secure when healthy.
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Warren’s goal-line usage provides his most reliable path to weekly fantasy relevance. He has maintained preference in short-yardage situations throughout the season, offering touchdown equity that Gainwell currently lacks. This specialized role becomes particularly valuable in positive game script scenarios where Pittsburgh can control tempo.
His pass-catching ability adds weekly floor protection through consistent target distribution. Warren’s 13 receptions this season demonstrate his involvement in the passing game, providing scoring opportunities even when the ground attack struggles against tough defenses.
Kenneth Gainwell Fantasy Outlook
Gainwell’s explosive Week 4 performance failed to create lasting changes to his role within Pittsburgh’s offense. Despite playing 77% of snaps, recording 25 touches, totaling 134 yards, and scoring over 30 fantasy points in Warren’s absence, he reverted to a complementary role upon the starter’s return.
His Week 6 usage highlighted the limitations of his current position. Gainwell managed just 34% of snaps while handling 12 opportunities, including six receptions for only 14 yards. His receiving work functioned as a “PPR scam,” generating volume without meaningful yardage production.
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The veteran’s efficiency metrics remain concerning when given rushing opportunities. His 22 yards on six carries represented poor per-attempt production that limits his upside even with expanded touches. Without significant improvement in this area, his fantasy relevance depends heavily on receiving volume.
Gainwell’s role should provide 8-10 weekly opportunities regardless of game script. His pass-catching ability keeps him involved during obvious passing downs, creating modest floor protection for fantasy managers facing bye week or injury constraints.
Should You Start Warren or Gainwell This Week?
Cincinnati presents exceptional conditions for both Steelers backs. The Bengals allow the most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to running backs while ranking 28th in rushing yards allowed. Their defensive struggles create realistic expectations for productive performances from Pittsburgh’s ground attack.
Pittsburgh enters as road favorites likely to enjoy positive game script throughout the contest. This scenario benefits Warren’s goal-line usage while providing Gainwell with consistent opportunities in a potentially high-scoring environment.
Warren emerges as the superior fantasy option based on his established lead role and touchdown equity. His combination of volume advantage and red zone opportunities makes him a viable flex play despite the Thursday night timing that typically discourages lineup deployment of fringe options. As a reminder, though, do not put anyone you are starting on Thursday night in your Flex spot.
Gainwell functions as a desperation flex option for fantasy managers ravaged by bye weeks and injuries. His projected 8-10 opportunities provide modest scoring potential, though his efficiency concerns limit his weekly ceiling significantly.
Both players offer startable value given Cincinnati’s defensive vulnerabilities, but Warren’s goal-line role and volume advantage make him the preferred choice for fantasy managers seeking reliable Thursday night production.