Who Should I Start? Kyle Juszczyk or Rico Dowdle

Tuesday, September 23, 3:10 AM

San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk caught a one-yard touchdown pass in Sunday's 16-15 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The score, four minutes into the fourth quarter, was the first trip to the end zone by either side and broke what was then a 6-6 tie. Even with the 49ers' injury woes in the first three weeks of the season, Juszczyk's fantasy appeal is nil. He is turned to so infrequently that his fluke touchdowns (the last time he had more than two in a season was 2020) simply aren't worth chasing. Through the first three games of 2025, Juszczyk has four receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown.

Saturday, October 18, 4:25 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle has been one of the best stories in the NFL over the past two weeks, totaling an unbelievable 473 yards and two touchdowns as the lead back in place of Chuba Hubbard (calf). Hubbard will make his return on Sunday against the Jets, which muddies the outlook for the backfield this week. Hubbard earned a contract extension for his strong production last season and operated as the clear lead back before getting injured this season, but the superb play of Dowdle certainly changes some things. Head coach Dave Canales was noncommittal on how touches would be distributed, but expect it to be close to an even split, perhaps with a lean to Dowdle. Given his recent strong play, Dowdle profiles as a viable RB2 or flex start in Week 7 against the Jets.