Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Jaylen Warren
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.7 | 48.6 | 0.3 | 2.0 | 14.5 | 0.1 |
Rico Dowdle News
Wednesday, July 15, 10:20 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle is entering his first season in Pittsburgh after signing a two-year contract worth over $12 million in free agency. With the Steelers, Dowdle appears likely to operate as part of a split backfield with incumbent running back Jaylen Warren. While Warren logged 1,291 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns for the Steelers last year, Pittsburgh has a new coaching staff in place for the 2026 season. Dowdle has proven himself to be a capable three-down back in recent years, recording 1,328 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 and 1,373 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns for the Carolina Panthers in 2025. While Warren may handle most of the receiving work for Pittsburgh, Dowdle profiles as the better rusher between the tackles and at the goal line. Even while splitting touches with Panthers back Chuba Hubbard in 2025, Dowdle finished as the RB23 in per-game PPR scoring. At his current redraft ADP of RB32, Dowdle profiles as a value selection for fantasy managers.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11.5 | 48.6 | 0.3 | 2.5 | 19.1 | 0.1 |
Jaylen Warren News
Tuesday, July 14, 5:40 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren continues to produce despite his ADP over the last few seasons. Warren has exceeded expectations and doesn't seem to be getting the credit he deserves. This past season, Warren rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and scored six touchdowns on 211 carries. He also hauled in 40 receptions for 333 yards and an additional two scores through the air. That performance landed him the RB16 spot in half-PPR leagues. Given his success, Warren will likely continue to see a similar usage next season. The Steelers did bring in Rico Dowdle to help take the load off Warren on the ground. The 27-year-old should still be a popular target for Aaron Rodgers, so the addition of Dowdle shouldn't threaten Warren's overall value too much. Dynasty managers should feel comfortable sliding in Warren as their RB2.
Rico Dowdle vs. Jaylen Warren
Still trying to decide between Dowdle and Warren? 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 10.7 points this week while Jaylen Warren is projected to score 11.5 points.
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