Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Zach Charbonnet

Thursday, December 18, 12:37 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle hasn't been as reliable for fantasy managers since Chuba Hubbard returned from his injury, but that doesn't mean he cannot still be productive for those in the fantasy playoffs. The 27-year-old reclaimed lead-back duties from Hubbard in Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints, out-touching him 17 to nine. Dowdle had only 49 rushing yards on 16 carries (3.1 yards per tote), but he managed to find the end zone for the first time since Week 10. He continues to see plenty of volume -- Dowdle has had at least 17 touches in four of the last five games -- but he has been under 4.0 yards per carry in four of the last five contests as well. With Hubbard being more involved next to Dowdle in Carolina's backfield now that he's fully healthy, Dowdle must be more efficient with his touches to pay off for fantasy managers as an RB2. The good news is that Dowdle has plenty of upside in Week 16 against a Bucs defense that has been vulnerable to RBs this year.

Friday, December 19, 1:15 AM

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet had nine carries for 32 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown during Thursday's Week 16 win over the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. He also caught all four of his targets for an additional 22 receiving yards. Charbonnet was outperformed by Kenneth Walker III in terms of touches, yards, and fantasy points, but he did still lead the backfield with his 56% snap share on Thursday night. Managers should expect the two backs to continue splitting work roughly 50/50 in this backfield from now on. That lowers the floor for both players, but if Seattle's offense plays well over the final two weeks, Charbonnet and Walker could each carve out standalone fantasy value as low-end RB2 or high-end RB3/flex options. Charbonnet should be a top-36 fantasy running back in Week 17, when he takes on a well-rounded Carolina Panthers squad.