Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Chris Rodriguez Jr.


Week 2 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
10.8 48.3 0.3 2.2 15.2 0.1

Rico Dowdle News

Rico Dowdle Delivers Poor Output Despite Sizable Role

Sunday, September 13, 3:57 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle rushed for just 15 yards on eight carries during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons. He also caught two of his five targets for an additonal six receiving yards. Between carries and targets, Dowdle had 13 opportunities, which is still a somewhat reasonable result. The biggest issue was that he was wildly efficient on the ground and through the air, averaging 1.9 yards per carry and 3.0 yards per catch. Enerting the season, it seemed like Dowdle was going to split the volume from this backfield with Jaylen Warren, but the latter ended up leading the way on Sunday. For now, we're inclined to believe we'll see similar backfield dynamics next week and beyond. Warren has earned the right to touch the ball 15+ times per game as a top-25 fantasy running back while Dowdle is still in more of the low-end RB3/flex tier for now.


Week 2 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
5.5 31.6 0.3 0.4 3.2 0.0

Chris Rodriguez Jr. News

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Sees Valuable Short Yardage Role in Week 1

Monday, September 14, 5:31 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. opened his 2026 season with six carries for 23 yards in the team's dominant 34-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Rodriguez did not produce fantasy-relevant numbers in Week 1 but remained a key part of the Jaguars' backfield alongside Bhayshul Tuten. He played 23 of 50 snaps (46%), including most of the short-yardage snaps, and took the only goal-line snap of the game. Given how effective the Jaguars' offense under Liam Coen looked, the team should have plenty of opportunities for red zone and goal-line looks this season. He faces the Denver Broncos' defense next week, which was the NFL's best run defense last season, but his current role leaves him as a waiver-wire priority in Week 1.


Rico Dowdle vs. Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Still trying to decide between Dowdle and Rodriguez Jr.? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Rico Dowdle is projected to score 10.8 points this week while Chris Rodriguez Jr. is projected to score 5.5 points.