Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Rico Dowdle


Week 1 Projections

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0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Samaje Perine News

Samaje Perine's Fantasy Upside Remains Limited Across All Formats

Saturday, February 21, 10:39 AM

Across 15 games in 2025, Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine recorded 469 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 101 touches. The veteran back has established himself as a quality pass-blocker and capable RB2 over the course of his nine-year NFL career. That's the role Perine played alongside Bengals RB1 Chase Brown in 2025, and with both backs under contract for 2026, Cincinnati appears likely to run it back next season. Without an injury to Brown, Perine carries limited fantasy upside. Even if Brown were to miss time, it's possible the Bengals would look to bring in a more dynamic rusher and keep Perine in a secondary role. While Perine has recorded at least 400 scrimmage yards in five straight seasons, he hasn't topped the 700-yard mark since his rookie year in 2017 and has logged just 19 touchdowns in 125 career NFL games. Perine's fantasy ceiling is uninspiring as he hits the late stages of his career.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Rico Dowdle News

Rico Dowdle's Dynasty Ceiling Limited By Backfield Committee in Pittsburgh

Friday, May 8, 12:46 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle began the 2025 season as the RB2 for the Carolina Panthers behind Chuba Hubbard. However, an early-season injury to Hubbard opened the door for Dowdle, and he finished the year with 1,373 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 275 touches across 17 games for Carolina. The Steelers rewarded Dowdle with a two-year, $12.25 million contract in free agency, and he now forms a two-headed backfield monster in Pittsburgh with veteran back Jaylen Warren. Warren's presence in Pittsburgh likely caps Dowdle's production ceiling, particularly in the passing game. Still, Dowdle should be the team's primary early-down and goal-line rusher, a role he's proven he can excel in in recent years. In dynasty formats, Dowdle profiles as a solid flex option with some upside heading into 2026.


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 0.0 points this week while Rico Dowdle is projected to score 0.0 points.