Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Rico Dowdle


Week 10 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
6.8 27.1 0.2 1.4 10.6 0.1

Samaje Perine News

Samaje Perine Gaining Waiver Wire Appeal Amid Growing Role in Cincinnati

Monday, November 9, 11:10 AM

Across eight games in 2026, Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine has recorded 249 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 54 touches. The 31-year-old has spent most of the season to this point in a reserve role behind Bengals RB1 Chase Brown. However, Brown has struggled so far in 2026, recording career lows in both yards per carry (3.9) and yards per touch (4.3). In Cincinnati's Week 9 win over the Atlanta Falcons, the team split touches evenly between Perine (11) and Brown (12). If that trend continues, Perine could move into flex territory for fantasy managers as a consistent piece in one of the NFL's most potent offenses. In deeper leagues, Perine could be worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Week 10.


Week 10 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
8.9 36.7 0.2 2.1 14.5 0.1

Rico Dowdle News

Rico Dowdle Has Sneaky Flex Value in Week 8

Friday, October 30, 6:14 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle has been getting more involved since returning from a toe injury and should again play an important role against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8. While Dowdle only finished with nine carries last week, he led the Steelers in receptions, securing all six of his targets for 45 yards. Cleveland is giving up the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, but it is surrendering the fourth-most yards per carry and allowed the Tennessee Titans to rush for 141 yards and three touchdowns in Week 7. Given how thin Pittsburgh is at wide receiver right now, Dowdle's role as a pass-catcher should continue alongside his work as a change-of-pace option behind teammate Jaylen Warren. The backfield split keeps Dowdle from being a must-start fantasy option, but the 28-year-old has flex appeal and could surprise in this matchup.


Samaje Perine vs. Rico Dowdle

Still trying to decide between Perine and Dowdle? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Samaje Perine is projected to score 6.8 points this week while Rico Dowdle is projected to score 8.9 points.