Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Dylan Sampson

Saturday, October 18, 4:25 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle has been one of the best stories in the NFL over the past two weeks, totaling an unbelievable 473 yards and two touchdowns as the lead back in place of Chuba Hubbard (calf). Hubbard will make his return on Sunday against the Jets, which muddies the outlook for the backfield this week. Hubbard earned a contract extension for his strong production last season and operated as the clear lead back before getting injured this season, but the superb play of Dowdle certainly changes some things. Head coach Dave Canales was noncommittal on how touches would be distributed, but expect it to be close to an even split, perhaps with a lean to Dowdle. Given his recent strong play, Dowdle profiles as a viable RB2 or flex start in Week 7 against the Jets.

Friday, October 17, 6:57 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson will take on the Miami Dolphins at home in Week 7. Sampson has been quiet since a big Week 1 where he caught eight passes for 64 yards. With Quinshon Judkins dominating the backfield work, Sampson handled just five touches in a Week 6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Dolphins have struggled against the run this year as their defense is allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs thus far. That being said, Sampson is unlikely to see enough work to take advantage of the plus matchup. He is best left on fantasy benches heading into Sunday's games.