Michael Carter vs Rico Dowdle: Who Should You Start?
Michael Carter and Rico Dowdle are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Michael Carter averaged 6.3 PPG across 13 games with the Tennessee Titans, while Rico Dowdle posted 11.6 PPG in 17 appearances for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A 5.3-PPG gap gives Rico Dowdle the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Michael Carter ran for 333 yards and 1 touchdowns; Rico Dowdle posted 1076 and 6. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
One scheduling note: Michael Carter is off Week 5 and Rico Dowdle Week 9. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
