Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Braelon Allen

Saturday, August 9, 4:08 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle showed a glimpse of his potential as a pass-catching threat in the team's preseason debut against the Cleveland Browns, recording one reception for 20 yards to go along with two rushes for seven yards. The 27-year-old running back is entering his sixth season in the NFL after spending his entire career with the Dallas Cowboys, which was riddled with injuries. Dowdle is clearly behind Chuba Hubbard on the depth chart, but could carve out a role in the Panthers' receiving or two-minute offense in 2025. Coming off an underwhelming 2024 season in Dallas, where high hopes for the lead back role didn't materialize (235-1,079-2 on the ground, 39-249-3 in the air), a move to a new location and a backup role could take some pressure off Dowdle and allow him to grow into his potential. Rotoballer currently projects him as RB55, but Dowdle could be a sneaky stash if anything happens to Hubbard throughout the season.

Sunday, August 17, 4:36 AM

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen rushed seven times for 34 yards in his team's 31-12 preseason loss to the New York Giants. Allen and teammate Breece Hall again evenly rotated in with the starting offense on the field, though the latter out-touched him 7-to-4 and picked up the only target between them. However, the Wisconsin alum seemed to be the preferred option in short-yardage situations. It's unknown if that was by happenstance or if head coach Aaron Glenn schemed it up. If that was the plan, it could mean that Allen will be the goal-line back come the regular season. He's the more imposing rusher of the two -- and looked more explosive on Saturday -- but it's fair to wonder how much that role will mean with the threat of quarterback Justin Fields vulturing a touchdown alive and well. In all, this situation is fluid and portends to be a frustrating one for fantasy managers. Allen and the rest of the starters will likely get a little longer of a look next Friday when they face the Philadelphia Eagles at home in their preseason finale.