Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Dylan Sampson

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, September 5, 8:21 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson will make his NFL debut at home against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Sampson, a fourth-round pick in this year's NFL draft, is expected to open the season as the team's change-of-pace back behind starter Jerome Ford. The exact extent of Sampson's role is yet to be seen, but he could see plenty of work in the passing game in a contest where the Browns may have to pass frequently to keep up with a high-powered Cincinnati. Sampson checks in as a dart-throw flex option who is worth a look in deep leagues as a potential sleeper.