The Cowboys took a tough loss last week to the Saints and will be looking to bounce back at home against the Ravens in Week 3. With a growing role, Rico Dowdle could be poised for a potential fantasy football breakout. He’s a high-risk start this week but does bring upside to consider for your lineup.
So far this season, Dowdle has been stuck in a timeshare with veteran Ezekiel Elliott ($5,500), and neither back has been very productive. Zeke played 51% of snaps in Week 1 but only 40% in Week 2, while Dowdle played 44% followed by 43%. Deuce Vaughn ($4,000) picked up 14% of the work in Week 2, and there’s also the potential of Dalvin Cook ($4,000) being elevated from the practice squad to steal looks at some point this year.
In his limited work, Dowdle has been the most productive of the members of the backfield rotation. He led the way with 59 total yards on 11 touches in Week 2, compared to 49 yards on 12 touches for Elliott.
Most of his fantasy production in Week 2 actually came as a pass-catcher with 29 yards on four catches, and his role on passing downs makes him a more attractive play in DFS and PPR leagues. One drawback, though, is that Elliott has monopolized the RB work in the red zone through the first two weeks of the season.
Baltimore has allowed a running back touchdown in each of their first two games this season but held opposing running backs to an average of only 37 rushing yards per game. They’ll be desperate to avoid 0-3 and be even more locked in this week.
The Cowboys are one-point home underdogs in this big late Sunday afternoon matchup, and Dowdle is +195 to score a touchdown.
While he does have huge potential and could be a great play at some point this season, he hasn’t been able to distinguish himself in the timeshare. He always has the potential for a big game and seems to be the slightly preferred option in Dallas, but he remains very high-risk this week against the Ravens. Unless you have no other options, I’d avoid him in season-long leagues or for DFS until he has a clearer path to playing time.
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