Jaylen Warren vs Kenneth Gainwell: Who Should You Start?
The gap between Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 1.4 PPG in 2025, this is one of those running back decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Jaylen Warren averaged 12.3 PPG with the Pittsburgh Steelers across 16 games, and Kenneth Gainwell posted 10.9 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 17.
When two running backs are separated by less than two points per game, the decision shifts to weekly context. Who has the softer defense? Who is trending up over the last month? Which team is projected for more total points? Those are the tiebreakers that actually matter.
Both are three-down backs with real passing-game roles. Jaylen Warren caught 40 balls for 333 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.
Jaylen Warren has his bye in Week 9, and Kenneth Gainwell rests in Week 11. Managers rostering both need waiver wire depth at running back for those two weeks, and that is exactly the kind of planning DraftCall's matchup engine surfaces automatically so you are not scrambling on a Sunday morning.
