- Rico Dowdle is a start despite the Panthers’ shared backfield: The Carolina Panthers‘ backup running back has played exceptionally well over the past three weeks and is in a favorable matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
- Bye weeks and injuries are impacting start-sit decisions: For the only time this season, six teams are on bye weeks. That, along with new injuries, means you will be leaning on players you wouldn’t usually start.
Estimated Reading Time: 26 minutes
I asked fantasy managers on the PFF Discord and Bluesky which players they are least sure about this week, and I compiled that list and ranked them against one another. If you have multiple players mentioned, you should start with the player ranked highest. At the bottom of each position, you’ll find players to start in place of the featured players and those to sit in favor of them.\
If a player isn’t mentioned, that means they are very close to those with blurbs, and factors such as injuries on the opposing defenses or weather could influence the rankings. Situations involving injuries are also generally avoided because things typically don’t become clearer until closer to kickoff. As always, check the weekly PFF fantasy rankings for the most up-to-date information to help you make all start-sit decisions.
RUNNING BACKS
1. Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers
Dowdle ran 53 times for 389 yards and a touchdown while catching seven passes for 84 yards and a score in two games without Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard returned last week, leading to a rotation by drive. Hubbard played on the first drive, Dowdle was in on the second and so on. Despite playing only half of the snaps, Dowdle still ran 17 times for 79 yards. While he outplayed Hubbard, head coach Dave Canales anticipates using a similar rotation. We should expect another rotation by drive this week. If there are any changes, they would likely benefit Dowdle.
As long as Dowdle is playing in that role, his fantasy value will largely depend on the quality of the opposing defense. On limited carries, he will need to do a lot to be a fantasy starter. Luckily, he is facing the Buffalo Bills this week. Runners have averaged 5.8 yards per carry against Buffalo this season. Derrick Henry and Bijan Robinson demolished the Bills’ defense, while the Patriots‘ and Jets‘ rushing attacks struggled.
The Saints and Dolphins are likely the best examples of how the Panthers‘ running backs will fare. Alvin Kamara ran 15 times for 70 yards, while Kendre Miller ran 11 times for 65 yards and a touchdown. For Miami, De’Von Achane ran 12 times for 62 yards, and Ollie Gordon II ran nine times for 38 yards and a touchdown. It’s fair to expect Dowdle to go over 50 rushing yards, and that kind of success is good enough to be a mid-range RB2 this week.
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