Kenny Gainwell runs 25 times for 140 yards against the Falcons

Questionable (hip). Fantasy football: Gainwell's 25-carry breakout vastly outpaced his previous usage but came after a week listed questionable and adds value…

By Fantasy Roundup Staff · November 1, 2026

Kenny Gainwell carried 25 times for 140 yards on one target in Tampa Bay's 16-0 win over Atlanta in Week 8, finishing with 14.0 half-PPR points. He was listed questionable with a hip injury after missing Wednesday's practice, then limited Thursday before practising in full Friday.

The 25 carries mark a sharp uptick from 4.7 a game over his previous seven games, lifting volume that had been the weakest part of his value. The Buccaneers travel to Chicago in Week 9 to face a defence allowing 21.8 half-PPR points a game to running backs, the 8th most of 32, and Gainwell's workload in this game makes him a flex option if the carries hold.

Fantasy impact

Player by player

Kenny Gainwell

Gainwell's 25 carries dwarfed the 4.7 a game he managed over his previous seven games, with volume the steadiest source of points for a running back. He averaged 13.7 carries over his last three games, though that included just two in Week 6 against Pittsburgh (2.9 half-PPR points) before 14 against Carolina (8.8) and now 25 against Atlanta. His rush success rate of 56% ranks 6th of 102 running backs over his last three games, meaning he is gaining positive yardage on more than half his attempts.

Gainwell is scoring 1.7 half-PPR points a game above what his usage predicts over his last three games, ranking 21st of 105 running backs, so some touchdown or big-play luck that may not repeat. He has zero carries inside the five over that span and one a game inside the 20, ranking 63rd of 106 running backs, limiting his scoring upside. Standard managers gain more from his 140 rushing yards than those in full PPR, where his one target and zero catches add nothing. Start him as a flex in Week 9 against Chicago if the hip does not limit him and the workload repeats, though monitor the practice reports.

What to do

• Start Kenny Gainwell as a flex in Week 9 against Chicago if his hip is clear and the Buccaneers give him similar volume.

• Monitor Gainwell's practice participation this week after he was listed questionable with a hip injury in Week 8.

• Standard managers should prioritise Gainwell more than full-PPR managers given his minimal involvement in the passing game.