Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Ollie Gordon II

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, 9:14 PM

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II apparently hit the snooze button in Week 1, since the sleeper dozed right through his NFL debut. Gordon is RotoBaller's RB54 for the Dolphins' Week 2 matchup against the Patriots after he only managed four yards on two carries and one catch for negative one yard in Week 1. He played 15 snaps (25%) and could work his way into a larger role as the season progresses. At this point, though, he's a hold for his long-term upside, not for the production he is expected to bring this week. He doesn't belong on waiver wires, but he also doesn't belong in your starting lineup ultin he has a clear path to playing time. Jaylen Wright (leg) could crowd Gordon's playing time even more when he returns, although coach Mike McDaniel said that is unlikely to be this week, and the running back is doubtful on the injury report.