Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Trey Sermon

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, September 27, 11:25 AM

The Pittsburgh Steelers are elevating running back Trey Sermon for Week 4's matchup against the Vikings in Dublin. Sermon was also active in Week 3, when the Steelers carried four running backs against New England, but he was limited to return duties after rookie Kaleb Johnson's Week 2 miscue. With Jaylen Warren (knee) questionable, the Steelers may want additional depth in the backfield, though reports suggest Warren is trending toward playing. That leaves Sermon without a meaningful role on offense. For fantasy purposes, Sermon carries no value in Week 4, though he could contribute in the return game along with backup running back Kenneth Gainwell.