Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Rhamondre Stevenson

Wednesday, December 3, 1:59 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle was outproduced by Chuba Hubbard in last week's upset win over the Los Angeles Rams, as Hubbard finished with 17 carries for 83 yards while also catching two passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. Dowdle had 18 rushing attempts for 58 yards and added two receptions for 21 yards. It was the first time the Panthers had two RBs each record at least 75 scrimmage yards in a game since Dec. 24 of 2022. "And for Rico, you know, giving him the lion's share of some of those first and second down, those early series and all that is a great way to just get him the ball," head coach Dave Canales said. With Hubbard getting his legs back under him after missing some time with injury, the Panthers appear to be reaching a more effective, balanced approach between the two RBs, with Dowdle becoming the early-down back, and Hubbard working more on passing downs.

Friday, December 5, 10:00 PM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson was finally back to full speed during last week's win over the New York Giants. Stevenson missed three games due to a toe injury. During that time, rookie TreVeyon Henderson went wild with five touchdowns in three games. The rookie back has rushed for over 60 yards in five of his last six games. Henderson is playing so well that the Pats can't take the ball out of his hands. The expectation is that the two backs will split up the workload down the stretch of the season. Stevenson rushed for 40 yards on 12 attempts last week, while Henderson finished with 67 yards on 11 carries. The Patriots are on a bye this weekend, but the expectation is that Henderson will see a larger chunk of carries over the final four games. Fantasy managers should continue to hold Stevenson while lowering their expectations.