Rico Dowdle fantasy outlook: Should you draft Cowboys RB in 2024?
Rico Dowdle is still the backup for the Dallas Cowboys. After things didn't go well in the running game in 2023, the team has shaken things up.
Where does that leave Dowdle and how should it impact your fantasy decision-making? We've got everything you need to know about his outlook for 2024.
Should you draft the Cowboys RB in 2024?
Rico Dowdle is probably the one running back that the Cowboys have that players should be interested in. Of course, he's not likely to be a superstar, but he's probably the most reliable back the team has.
Tony Pollard is gone and was inefficient last year. Dowdle did well as his backup anyway. Ezekiel Elliott was brought back, but he's much older and far less efficient than he was during his first Dallas stint. The only player with an upside is Dowdle.
Rico Dowdle 2024 fantasy outlook, ADP and 2023 stats
Rico Dowdle has never really been the featured back, which is why it's hard to project what he'll do. The same problem occurred in 2023 with Tony Pollard. Pollard had been great as the backup, change-of-pace back to Ezekiel Elliott.
When Pollard was given the reins, he was much worse. This could happen with Dowdle, but as mentioned, he's a far more of an enticing option than Elliott in the Dallas Cowboys backfield.
Dowdle finished as the 156th-ranked fantasy football player last year. That's not particularly inspiring, but it's important to remember that Pollard was the workhorse. His stats were average.
Dowdle appeared in 16 games, though he started none of them. He rushed 89 times for 361 yards (4.06 average) and two touchdowns. He also added 17 catches for 144 yards and two more scores. Those numbers provide a glimpse at what he could do with more usage in 2024.
Currently, his ADP (average draft position) is 128th. This is no surprise given that he was the 156th player last year. Elliott is expected to be the starter, but it's hard to imagine Dowdle being any worse than last year. It's easy to envision a much better year.
Is Rico Dowdle a good pick in fantasy football this year?
Rico Dowdle isn't a good pick to make in fantasy football, but he very well could be a sleeper pick. The Cowboys' backfield isn't really exciting, but Dowdle could emerge from it. Elliott didn't look good with the New England Patriots and is even older now.
Dowdle has far less wear and tear and could do what Tony Pollard did in 2022. He's a player you should have your eye on in the later rounds as he could be a decent backup or a handcuff option. If you're picking him to be your starter or a flex, you may be in trouble.
Where should you draft Rico Dowdle in 2024?
As with all fantasy players, the placement they're picked at determines their value. Kyren Williams is a good pick, but not first overall. Where you draft Rico Dowdle determines whether or not it's a good pick.
Dowdle is being picked 128th overall. That's a pretty good range because, in the 12th round or later, picks are really only being made to fill out a bench or find some sleeper value. That's where Dowdle comes into play. He can be a solid pick in round 13 or even later, if he slides, so target him in that range.