Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, Rashaad Penny: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Picks for Fantasy Football Week 18

The Philadelphia Eagles have one of the best rushing offenses and offensive lines in the NFL, meaning their starting running back will always have fantasy intrigue. Although Jalen Hurts has a firm grip on the goal line carries, the running backs can produce explosive plays with wide-open running lanes at any point in a game.

This week, D'Andre Swift is questionable to play due to an illness, and the latest reports from NFL media members suggest that he will not suit up against the New York Giants in Week 18. This development puts Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, and Rashaad Penny on the DFS and fantasy radar.

Should you start Gainwell, Scott, or Penny in the final week of the regular season? Let's dive in.

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Should I Start Kenneth Gainwell for Fantasy Football?

Gainwell is second among Eagles' running backs in carries (77), yards (302), rushing touchdowns (two), receptions (30), and receiving yards (183) this season. He trails only Swift in all of those statistics, so he is the clear beneficiary of Swift's likely Week 18 absence.

The Giants have allowed the eighth-most half-PPR fantasy points per game to running backs this season, so Gainwell has legitimate RB1 upside as the team's lead back. Boston Scott and Rashaad Penny might mix in, but Gainwell should be a lock to see the most work on Sunday. Consider him a mid-range RB2 with plenty of upside.

Should I Start Boston Scott for Fantasy Football?

Scott has logged just 21 touches this season, and it's tough to know what to expect from the veteran as Gainwell's backup. He should not be started in traditional fantasy leagues, but he can be utilized as a dice roll DFS play in GPP tournaments and contests.

He has had value in the past, but he's become an afterthought in 2023.

Should I Start Rashaad Penny for Fantasy Football?

Penny was a popular sleeper this offseason, but he's only played in two games this season, totaling 23 yards on six touches. The speedster has one-play touchdown ability if he's given a decent workload, but there's no guarantee he sees a single touch in this Week 18 outing.

Like Scott, Penny is a cheap punt play for DFS, but he should not be anywhere near starting fantasy lineups based on his body of work in 2023.

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