Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Javonte Williams

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.

Monday, August 11, 11:44 AM

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams "continues to see the most reps with the starters" among the team's backfield candidates, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. With Miles Sanders (knee) and Jaydon Blue (ankle/heel) both dealing with injuries, Williams may be a lock to open the season as the lead running back in Dallas. In 17 games for the Denver Broncos last season, Williams rushed for 513 yards and four touchdowns on 139 carries. He profiles as a mid-tier RB4 in fantasy whose upside lies in the potential volume of available touches in the Cowboys' backfield.