Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Rachaad White

Saturday, October 18, 4:25 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle has been one of the best stories in the NFL over the past two weeks, totaling an unbelievable 473 yards and two touchdowns as the lead back in place of Chuba Hubbard (calf). Hubbard will make his return on Sunday against the Jets, which muddies the outlook for the backfield this week. Hubbard earned a contract extension for his strong production last season and operated as the clear lead back before getting injured this season, but the superb play of Dowdle certainly changes some things. Head coach Dave Canales was noncommittal on how touches would be distributed, but expect it to be close to an even split, perhaps with a lean to Dowdle. Given his recent strong play, Dowdle profiles as a viable RB2 or flex start in Week 7 against the Jets.

Saturday, October 18, 8:32 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White is expected to make his third straight start during the Week 7 matchup against the Detroit Lions. The Bucs are going to be without Bucky Irving (foot) for at least one more game. White has stepped up and played well in the absence of Irving. He has rushed for over 100 yards with three touchdowns over the last two games. Given the Bucs shorthanded offense, White figures to once again have a significant role in the offense on Monday night. This team is already without Jalen McMillan (neck) and Chris Godwin (leg), but might also be missing Mike Evans (hamstring) and Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) in Week 7. That being said, White could be asked to do more receiving work than normal. The 26-year-old figures to be heavily involved and should be a solid RB2 for this Week 7 contest.