Who Should I Start? Ollie Gordon II or Riley Nowakowski


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
2.0 10.3 0.1 0.3 2.1 0.0

Ollie Gordon II News

Ollie Gordon II Has Earned Another Look in Deeper Drafts

Friday, August 21, 12:10 PM

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II has at least made the backup race worth watching again. Gordon was rough as a rookie, finishing with 199 yards and three touchdowns on 70 carries, but his first preseason showing was much better. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound back ran seven times for 39 yards against Washington while splitting reserve work with Jaylen Wright. Miami still lists Wright second behind De'Von Achane and Gordon third, so one good night hasn't changed the depth chart. The roles are different, too. Miami used Gordon more in short-yardage situations last season, while Wright was the back asked to fill in for Achane. That probably keeps Gordon from being a clean handcuff even if he keeps running well. RotoBaller has him 309th overall in its Aug. 19 PPR rankings, which is deep-draft territory. Gordon isn't a standard-league target yet, but after a better start to this preseason, he's at least earned another look in deeper formats.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.2 0.0 0.0 0.6 5.3 0.0

Riley Nowakowski News

Steelers Select Riley Nowakowski at No. 169 Overall

Saturday, April 25, 11:23 AM

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Indiana tight end prospect Riley Nowakowski with the 169th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Nowakowski caught 32 passes for 387 yards and two receiving touchdowns in the Hoosiers' national championship-winning offense last year. He also got involved as a fullback, scoring two rushing touchdowns. We could see him take on a similar hybrid fullback/tight end role in Pittsburgh, serving as the team's replacement for Connor Heyward, who signed with the Raiders this offseason. Assuming that's the case, Nowakowski doesn't have a clear path to fantasy relevance. He can be avoided in most fantasy football drafts.


Ollie Gordon II vs. Riley Nowakowski

Still trying to decide between Gordon II and Nowakowski? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Ollie Gordon II is projected to score 2.0 points this week while Riley Nowakowski is projected to score 1.2 points.