Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Woody Marks

Sunday, November 2, 7:23 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle had 25 rushing attempts, 130 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns during Sunday's Week 9 win over the Green Bay Packers. He also caught two of his three targets for an additional 11 receiving yards. Dowdle was named the official lead back ahead of this week's game, and he wasted no time confirming the coaching staff made the right decision with his role. He averaged at least 4.65 yards per carry for the fifth consecutive week, bringing his season total to 5.61 YPC. After being somewhat of a non-factor through the first four weeks of the season, Dowdle has suddenly emerged as a potential league-winner in fantasy football. He is the RB3 in PPR leagues over the last five weeks, as well as the overall RB9 over the full nine weeks since the season began. He has a firm grasp on the No. 1 role in Carolina and should be deployed as a strong RB1 option in fantasy football ahead of next week's game against the New Orleans Saints.

Friday, October 31, 9:02 PM

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (calf) was limited in practice this week but does not have an injury designation for Week 9's matchup against the Broncos. Marks had a massive breakthrough performance in Week 4 with 69 rushing yards, 50 receiving yards, and a pair of touchdowns. He took a back seat to Nick Chubb in Week 5's blowout win, but he has been productive in an even timeshare with Chubb in the last two weeks. Marks can produce excellent receiving yards and PPR production when he's at his best, and has scored two of his touchdowns through the air. Last week, he also had one of his best rushing games with 62 rushing yards on his 11 carries. Marks has a tough matchup against the Broncos this week, but he's still the RB25, showing he's a solid RB3 or flex option even against the strong Denver defense.