Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Bijan Robinson

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.

Saturday, October 18, 5:03 PM

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson ran wild on the Bills last week, racking up 238 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. He's now gone over 100 scrimmage yards in each of the team's first five contests while averaging a league-best 5.8 yards per rush (minimum 50 attempts) and almost five receptions per game. Week 7's matchup on Sunday night against the 49ers brings a matchup against a defense that's yielded the 13th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs, and will again be without Nick Bosa (knee) and Fred Warner (ankle). Game script hasn't mattered in relation to Robinson's fantasy production, as the 23-year-old will be involved whether the team goes run or pass-heavy. With just a 2.5 point spread, this one figures to be close, which should keep all of the Falcons' key offensive pieces involved, and former first-round draft pick will again be a high-end RB1 on Sunday night.