Rico Dowdle Fantasy Outlook 2025: Is Panthers RB a good pick after leaving Cowboys?

Rico Dowdle had a great 2024 season for many different standards. Playing for the Dallas Cowboys, the running back exploded late in the year, and surpassed the 1,000-yard mark. As an undrafted running back, it was the best possible time to make a name for himself.

However, even after a great year, he could only net a one-year deal in free agency, signing with the Carolina Panthers, who already have an established running back. Fantasy managers should be wary of spending a high draft pick on him.

Should you draft Panthers RB Rico Dowdle in 2025?

Dowdle exploded in the second half of the 2024 season. With Dak Prescott out for the year, the Cowboys started Cooper Rush and relied more on the running game.

But his great season did not make him a star in the league. All he found was a one-year contract with the Panthers, who recently gave starter running back Chuba Hubbard a big extension. Dowdle is not expected to be their starter this year.

He had 1,079 rushing yards, 249 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2024.

Rico Dowdle's fantasy outlook in 2025

Fantasy Pros projects the running back to have just 415 rushing ands and three total touchdowns. As a backup, he's not going to be a difference maker in fantasy football, and while he could be a backup for your team, he will not be on demand at the start of the draft.

His ADP is No. 141 and he's considered RB No. 55.

Is Rico Dowdle a good pick in fantasy football this year?

Finding running backs is a hard task, especially in standard leagues. This does not mean, however, that you should reach for backup players, which will likely be the case for Dowdle in 2025.

If something happens to Hubbard or if both players start to share carries, he could become a viable option. Overall, however, don't count on him to be a big part of your team.

Where should you draft Rico Dowdle this year?

In leagues with a high number of players, he's a viable backup option to have on the roster. He has already shown that, when he's on the field, he can be a good contributor.

But opportunities will be limited and he's not going to hold volume throughout the year, so don't feel upset if you miss on him during the draft.