Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Blake Corum

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.

Sunday, December 7, 8:45 PM

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum had 12 carries for 128 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns during Sunday's Week 14 win over the Arizona Cardinals. He also converted his lone target into a three-yard reception. Corum had one fewer carry than Kyren Williams, but he was far more productive in terms of yards, yards per carry, and touchdowns. The highlight of Corum's game was a 48-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter, but he also scored from two yards out during the opening frame. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur recently said that giving Corum more touches allowed Williams to stay fresh down the stretch. While that's true, the second-year running back would likely be working his way into a larger role even if the Rams weren't trying to preserve Williams' legs. Corum has been playing at an elite level lately with 19 carries for 209 rushing yards (11 YPC) and three touchdowns over his last two games. He is the second-highest-scoring running back in fantasy football during that two-week span. Even though Williams is the Rams' lead back, Corum has worked his way into the high-end RB3 or low-end RB2 conversation against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15.