Kenneth Gainwell was an integral part of the Pittsburgh backfield last year for the entire season, but he really hit his stride in Weeks 11-18 as the RB7 in fantasy points per game with 13.3 touches and 85 total yards per game. His passing game usage was robust during this stretch as he was third in target share (17.5%), second in receiving yards per game (45.4), fourth in yards per route run (2.10), and first in first downs per route run (0.116). That also isn't to say that he wasn't also fantastic on early downs, ranking 14th in explosive run rate and missed tackle rate overall for the season among backs. All of the reports out of camp are that Gainwell will split the work with Bucky Irving this season, much like Rachaad White has in previous seasons. It's tough projecting this matchup with all of the moves the Cincy made this offseason to overhaul their defensive line with the additions of Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe, and Cashius Howell. I'm treating it as a neutral matchup with the ability to be a positive one for Gainwell on the ground. Last year, Cincy allowed the seventh-highest explosive run rate and rushing success rate and the fourth-most yards before contact per attempt to backs. Even if Cincy is improved as a defense against the run, they didn't massively overhaul their linebacker room, so Gainwell could eat through the air. Last year, Cincy allowed the sixth-most yards per target, the second-most YAC/reception, and the third-most yards per route run to backs.
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by in FantasySep 12, 2026