Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Jahmyr Gibbs

Wednesday, December 3, 1:59 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle was outproduced by Chuba Hubbard in last week's upset win over the Los Angeles Rams, as Hubbard finished with 17 carries for 83 yards while also catching two passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. Dowdle had 18 rushing attempts for 58 yards and added two receptions for 21 yards. It was the first time the Panthers had two RBs each record at least 75 scrimmage yards in a game since Dec. 24 of 2022. "And for Rico, you know, giving him the lion's share of some of those first and second down, those early series and all that is a great way to just get him the ball," head coach Dave Canales said. With Hubbard getting his legs back under him after missing some time with injury, the Panthers appear to be reaching a more effective, balanced approach between the two RBs, with Dowdle becoming the early-down back, and Hubbard working more on passing downs.

Friday, December 5, 12:32 AM

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 12 carries for 43 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns during Thursday's Week 14 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He also caught all seven of his targets for an additional 77 receiving yards. The 24-year-old's explosive season continues, as he has now recorded three-touchdown performances in three of the last five weeks. He's a top-three running back in PPR scoring this year with a whopping 58 catches so far. He also has 16 touchdowns and over 1,500 scrimmage yards. David Montgomery remains a factor in Detroit, but clearly, this backfield belongs to Gibbs. He should continue to be viewed as a high-end RB1 going forward, even in non-PPR leagues. He'll look to build on his success in 10 days against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15.