Who Should I Start? Nick Chubb or Rico Dowdle

Saturday, December 6, 7:33 AM

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb has settled in as a change-of-pace option in the Texans' backfield, playing behind rookie Woody Marks, but he still does get enough work to be on the radar in very deep formats. He had his third touchdown of the season in last week's win over the Colts, finishing with nine carries for 34 rushing yards to go with his score. He is no longer the big-play threat or the workhorse that he was earlier in his career, but he is still getting about a third of the snaps in Houston's backfield timeshare. Chubb is the No. 45 RB in RotoBaller's rankings this week as the Texans face the tough Chiefs' run defense on Sunday Night Football. In most standard-sized leagues, there are better options available, but in very deep leagues, he can be a touchdown-reliant flex play.

Wednesday, December 3, 1:59 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle was outproduced by Chuba Hubbard in last week's upset win over the Los Angeles Rams, as Hubbard finished with 17 carries for 83 yards while also catching two passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. Dowdle had 18 rushing attempts for 58 yards and added two receptions for 21 yards. It was the first time the Panthers had two RBs each record at least 75 scrimmage yards in a game since Dec. 24 of 2022. "And for Rico, you know, giving him the lion's share of some of those first and second down, those early series and all that is a great way to just get him the ball," head coach Dave Canales said. With Hubbard getting his legs back under him after missing some time with injury, the Panthers appear to be reaching a more effective, balanced approach between the two RBs, with Dowdle becoming the early-down back, and Hubbard working more on passing downs.