Bijan Robinson vs Kenneth Gainwell: Who Should You Start?
Bijan Robinson and Kenneth Gainwell are at different tiers heading into 2026. The Atlanta Falcons running back averaged 19.5 PPG in 2025, a full 8.6 points per game ahead of Kenneth Gainwell's 10.9 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That kind of gap doesn't close on matchup alone.
Bijan Robinson carries a 8.6-point PPG advantage from the 2025 season. That baseline matters, but it is one input among several. Matchup difficulty, scoring trends, and injury reports move the needle week to week, which is why the best answer changes depending on when you are asking.
Both are three-down backs with real passing-game roles. Bijan Robinson caught 79 balls for 820 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 thing to note: both players share a Week 5 bye. That means you need a backup plan at running back for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
