Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Jaylen Warren

Sunday, January 5, 9:23 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle rushed 22 times for 72 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 18 loss to the Washington Commanders. He also caught two of his three targets for an additional 12 yards through the air. Dowdle was quite impressive throughout the 2024 season, supplanting Ezekiel Elliott as the Cowboys' undisputed No. 1 running back. He finished the campaign with 1,079 rushing yards, 249 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns through 16 games, ranking as a low-end RB2 in fantasy football. There has been plenty of speculation that the Cowboys could take an aggressive approach with their pursuit of a running back this offseason, such as drafting Ashton Jeanty. However, there's also a real possibility they feel confident in Dowdle and don't take as big of a swing for a backfield addition within the upcoming months. The 26-year-old currently still has appeal as a mid-range RB3 option heading into the 2025 campaign, and until Dallas brings in competition, this backfield belongs to Dowdle.

Sunday, January 12, 12:28 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren totaled just six rushing yards on two carries and posted four receptions for 19 receiving yards in a 28-14 playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Both Warren and backfield mate Najee Harris were completely shut down by the Ravens' run defense but managed to contribute in the passing game. While Harris out-gained Warren through the air, the latter's five targets tied wideout George Pickens for the team lead. Warren, a restricted free agent this offseason, is likely to be retained by Pittsburgh and could be given RB1 duties in the 2025-2026 campaign with Harris now entering unrestricted free agency.