Who Should I Start? Raheem Mostert or Rico Dowdle

Saturday, October 4, 6:35 PM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert appears to have overtaken Zamir White as the team's No. 2 option behind starter Ashton Jeanty. In Week 4, Mostert handled all eight snaps that Jeanty didn't play, making the most of his limited workload with 62 rushing yards on just four carries and adding an 11-yard reception. His explosiveness and home-run ability bring an exciting change of pace to the Raiders offense, giving him value in best ball formats where big plays can swing outcomes. However, Mostert's fantasy appeal in standard leagues remains limited, as Jeanty continues to dominate the touches in Las Vegas. Unless an injury opens the door for a larger role, Mostert should be viewed as a stash or deep-league bench option rather than a weekly fantasy contributor.

Sunday, October 5, 4:55 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle carried the ball 23 times for 206 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown during Sunday's Week 5 win over the Miami Dolphins. He also caught three of four targets for an additional 28 receiving yards. Dowdle filled in for the injured Chuba Hubbard (calf) and turned in one of the best individual fantasy performances we've seen through five weeks this season. He proved to be a terrific waiver wire addition for many fantasy managers who inserted him into their lineups on Sunday. Even if Hubbard returns next week, Dowdle has done more than enough to carve out a significant role on offense. He's worth deploying as an RB3/flex with RB2 upside going forward, including next week in a revenge game against the Dallas Cowboys.