Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Chris Collier

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.

Friday, August 8, 11:25 AM

Second-year running back Chris Collier took the spotlight in the Las Vegas Raiders' 23-23 tie with the Seahawks, handling the bulk of the second-half carries. Collier played a key role in the team's most productive drives, including a 16-yard run that helped set up Cam Miller's touchdown pass. While the 25-year-old remains a longshot to make the roster behind Ashton Jeanty, Raheem Mostert, and Zamir White, he's making the most of his preseason opportunities.