Who Should I Start? Nick Chubb or Rico Dowdle

Friday, December 26, 8:44 AM

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb has been a regular part of the team's running back rotation this season, but his role in Week 17 against the Chargers is a little murky. Woody Marks is ready to return from an ankle injury after missing Week 16, and Jawhar Jordan had a nice breakout while Marks was injured. With both Marks and Jordan in the mix this week, carries could be hard to come by for Chubb. He could still be utilized as a short-yardage specialist since he is an effective between-the-tackles option, but he doesn't have the explosiveness he showcased earlier in his career. He'll be a touchdown-dependent flex long shot this week in a tough matchup, and he's only the No. 53 RB in RotoBaller's rankings, making him best left on the bench or waiver wire if possible this week.

Saturday, December 27, 2:10 PM

Rico Dowdle had nine carries for 29 yards in Week 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also added 14 yards on four receptions, totaling 8.3 PPR points. It was Dowdle's lowest fantasy total in a game since Week 8. Carolina will face the Seattle Seahawks, the NFC's current No. 1 seed, in Week 17. Seattle ranks seventh in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to the RB position this season. Over the last four games, Dowdle has been cold, earning 12.4 PPR points or less with only one rushing touchdown. Considering that Seattle is one of the roughest matchups for RBs and Dowdle's underwhelming recent totals, fantasy players should not start the Carolina running back in their fantasy championship games. The Seahawks have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 24 consecutive games.