Jaylen Warren vs Rico Dowdle: Who Should You Start?
The gap between Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.7 PPG in 2025, this is one of those running back decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Jaylen Warren averaged 12.3 PPG with the Pittsburgh Steelers across 16 games, and Rico Dowdle posted 11.6 with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 17.
When two running backs are separated by less than two points per game, the decision shifts to weekly context. Who has the softer defense? Who is trending up over the last month? Which team is projected for more total points? Those are the tiebreakers that actually matter.
Jaylen Warren is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 40 targets into 333 yards, while Rico Dowdle profiles as a more traditional rusher with 1076 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Jaylen Warren carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 9 bye. That means you need a backup plan at running back for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
