Jaleel McLaughlin · Kenny Gainwell · 2026 week 8

Jaleel McLaughlin or Kenny Gainwell?

Wondering who you should start this week — Jaleel McLaughlin or Kenny Gainwell? The start/sit call and the numbers behind it are below, plus who wins a straight-up trade. Rebuilt nightly.

Start Kenny GainwellKenny Gainwell projects 6.5 PPR points clear of Jaleel McLaughlin in week 8, drawing ATL — the 10th-ranked matchup for RBs. The numbers behind the call are below; overrule them with your eyes open.

Player	Wk 8	Proj (PPR)	Matchup	Form L3	Trade value	Status
Jaleel McLaughlin	@ PIT	0.3	25th · tough	6.2	–	healthy
Kenny Gainwell START	vs ATL	6.8	10th	6	75	Questionable

RBs vs PIT recently: Jonathan Taylor 8.2 pts (W5) · Bucky Irving 4.9 pts (W6) · Alvin Kamara 6.2 pts (W7).

RBs vs ATL recently: Derrick Henry 20 pts (W5) · D'Andre Swift 19 pts (W6) · Christian McCaffrey 16 pts (W7).

🎓 The coach's read

Kenny Gainwell projects 6.5 points higher in PPR.
Jaleel McLaughlin faces PIT, 25th most generous to RBs.
Kenny Gainwell faces ATL, 10th most generous to RBs.
Kenny Gainwell is flagged WATCH.

Who wins a straight-up trade?

Kenny Gainwell carries the higher trade value — 75 against 0. In a one-for-one, the side receiving Kenny Gainwell gets the most.

Open in Start/Sit (any scoring) Open in the Trade Analyzer

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All numbers are the 2026 season, refreshed nightly.