Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Jerome Ford

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.

Friday, September 12, 9:29 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford will take on the Baltimore Ravens on the road in Week 2. Ford is looking to shake off a slow start in Week 1 as he gained just eight yards on six carries while losing three yards on his lone catch in a one-point loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran's role as the team's starter could be coming to an end soon as rookie Quinshon Judkins is expected to make his pro debut against the Ravens, which could push Ford to a bench role, assuming the Browns keep rookie Dylan Sampson in the third-down spot. Ford is an extremely risky fantasy option in Week 2 and should be left on benches with his backfield role up in the air.