The Philadelphia Eagles came into the offseason with two shiny new running backs in D’Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny. However, it’s holdover Kenneth Gainwell who appears in line to start at running back for the Eagles in Week 1 against the New England Patriots. Let’s explore the Eagles starting RB situation and go over which running back is the best to own on your fantasy team.
Highest Floor: D’Andre Swift
In PPR leagues, Swift will likely retain some value, no matter his role on the Eagles.
The former Lions running back averaged a career-high 8.1 yards per catch in 2022 and has hauled in an impressive 156 catches over his first three NFL seasons. With 25 career touchdowns, including 18 on the ground, he’s the type of home run threat that the Eagles offense was missing out of the backfield last season.
Even if Gainwell remains the starting running back, Swift should be able to retain his value as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, giving him the highest floor of the group.
Injuries are always a risk with Swift though. He’s missed at least three games in every season he’s played in the league.
Best Value: Kenneth Gainwell
To almost everyone’s surprise, Gainwell earned the most first-team reps during training camp. He also led the team in catches, catching a higher percentage of his targets than Swift.
Gainwell has been on the top of the Eagles official depth chart and there’s little reason to doubt his spot. He sat out with the starters during the team’s first preseason game while both Swift and Penny got into the action.
During the NFL Playoffs, Gainwell rushed for 181 yards and a touchdown on 5.5 yards per carry while adding seven catches for 55 yards. If he can put up that sort of production in the Eagles’ offense, he will be one of the biggest steals in fantasy football drafts this season.
Deep Sleeper: Rashaad Penny
Penny has lost his hype since joining the Eagles but still ended up with the second-most rushes during training camp, albeit most of those coming with the second and third teams.
The former Seahawks running back has proven that he can be productive when healthy and should get a boost behind one of the league’s best offensive lines. At 5-foot-11, 220 pounds, he is also the heaviest RB in the Eagles backfield, making him a prime candidate for goal-line work.
If he secures a short-yardage role, Penny could be among the sleepers to watch on an Eagles offense that figures to score a ton of points in 2023.
Who Is The Best Eagles RB To Own In Fantasy Football?
Given where these players are currently being drafted, Gainwell seems like the best option.
Currently projected as RB49, Gainwell has a chance to outperform that number by a wide margin.
Not only will he start Week 1 versus the Vikings, but head coach Nick Sirianni has developed a trust with Gainwell dating back to last season’s playoff run. Gainwell is a three-down back who can run, catch, and pass protect, which will be an easy way for him to earn snaps.
Pick up Kenneth Gainwell on your fantasy football team in 2023.
