Kenneth Gainwell vs. Miles Sanders: Does Gainwell Have Edge After Week 4 Breakout?

Are we officially seeing a changing of the guard in the Philadelphia Eagles backfield? 

Nick Sirianni has deployed a pass-heavy attack in the Eagles' last two weeks, and that has favored rookie running back Kenneth Gainwell. Miles Sanders has seen his usage dip over the past two weeks, and Gainwell has now closed the gap in yards per carry as well ahead of Week 5. 

Gainwell outplayed Sanders in Week 4, totaling 89 yards and a touchdown to Sanders 47 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs. If Sirianni is intent on rolling with a pass-heavy offense, Gainwell has proven to be the preferred passing game option and could continue to eat into the workload going forward. 

Kenneth Gainwell vs. Miles Sanders Stat Comparison

Touches (Carries and Receptions)

• Sanders: 48
• Gainwell: 32

Rushing Yards

• Sanders: 169 (4.6 YPC)
• Gainwell: 84 (4.4 YPC)

Receiving Yards

• Sanders: 105
• Gainwell: 114

Touchdowns

• Sanders: 0
• Gainwell: 2

Snap Counts

• Sanders: 168 (64.37 percent)
• Gainwell: 91 (34.87 percent)

Week 4 was clearly Gainwell’s best game of the season, and he has been trending upward for multiple weeks in this offense. 

Jalen Hurts seems to be Philly’s best rushing threat, so that has led to the better pass catcher having the most value as a prop bet and fantasy player so far this season. 

Gainwell’s props may be inflated after his Week 4 breakout, but he’s totaled over 30 yards in every game this season despite seeing touch counts of 11, eight, four and nine. 

I wouldn’t trust Sanders to reach what will undoubtedly be higher projections, so now may be the time to buy low on Gainwell before he truly makes this a 50/50 split.

The Eagles are four-point road underdogs at WynnBET in their matchup with the Carolina Panthers in Week 5.

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