Rhamondre Stevenson vs Rico Dowdle: Who Should You Start?
The gap between Rhamondre Stevenson and Rico Dowdle is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.0 PPG in 2025, this is one of those running back decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Rhamondre Stevenson averaged 11.6 PPG with the New England Patriots across 14 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.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Rhamondre Stevenson ran for 603 yards and 7 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.
Rhamondre Stevenson has his bye in Week 14, and Rico Dowdle rests in Week 9. Managers rostering both need waiver wire depth at running back for those two weeks, and that is exactly the kind of planning DraftCall's matchup engine surfaces automatically so you are not scrambling on a Sunday morning.
