Who Should I Start? Ty Johnson or Rico Dowdle

Saturday, November 29, 12:06 AM

Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson does not boast fantasy appeal in Week 13 despite operating as the primary handcuff to backfield mate James Cook. The 28-year-old has actually seen his role in the passing game remain steady since Week 9, collecting at least two targets and receptions over the four-game sample. Still, he's failed to carry the ball more than twice in any game over that stretch, and has done so just twice on the season as a whole, with Cook handily leading the backfield. Furthermore, quarterback Josh Allen has more than tripled Johnson's carry total (70-21), leaving little volume left to go around on the ground. Johnson is worthy of a stash in the deepest of PPR formats for his stable work in the receiving game, but his floor is low, and the ceiling is nearly nonexistent. He's RotoBaller's PPR RB64 ahead of Week 13.

Friday, November 28, 11:30 PM

Rico Dowdle totaled 38 rushing yards on six carries and 36 receiving yards on four receptions last week against the 49ers. Dowdle finished the game with 11.4 PPR points, which was his lowest since being named the starting RB for Carolina in Week 9. The Panthers will face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13. The Rams rank third in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to RBs. Los Angeles' defense has allowed only two rushing touchdowns this season, which is tied for the least in the NFL. Although this is a bad matchup, Dowdle should not be reserved. Don't expect a high statistical ceiling, though. The Panthers' RB has a solid fantasy floor, averaging 17.5 PPR points over the last four weeks.