Jahmyr Gibbs vs Kenneth Gainwell: Who Should You Start?
There is a real production gap between these two running backs. Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions) averaged 19.3 PPG over 17 games in 2025, outscoring Kenneth Gainwell (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 10.9 PPG) by 8.4 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
A 8.4-PPG gap gives Jahmyr Gibbs the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both are three-down backs with real passing-game roles. Jahmyr Gibbs caught 77 balls for 616 yards, and Kenneth Gainwell hauled in 73 for 486. That receiving workload gives them high PPR floors even in games where the ground attack gets stuffed, and it is why both stay on the field in obvious passing situations.
One scheduling note: Jahmyr Gibbs is off Week 5 and Kenneth Gainwell Week 11. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
