FantasyPros Accuracy Award

2025 Accuracy Award Winner

Close FantasyPros Accuracy Award
Open Nav
Players
    Articles
      Shark Bites
        Show Navigation
        Show Menu
        FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

        Panthers Add Rico Dowdle

        By Matt Schauf | Updated on Wed, Mar 12 2025 11:53 PM UTC
        Rico Dowdle Headshot

        The Panthers have agreed to a one-year contract with former Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle. That move comes shortly after the team dumped Miles Sanders.

        2025 Fantasy Football Impact

        Dowdle seemed to deliver a breakout season in 2024, with 1,079 rushing yards and an RB23 PPR finish despite opening the year splitting work with Ezekiel Elliott.

        That he had to settle for a one-year pact with a team that has already committed to Chuba Hubbard, though -- and didn't get a new contract from Dallas -- says that he fell short of impressing.

        Dowdle's role in Carolina is capped at No. 2. The Panthers are paying Hubbard $8.3 million a year on a four-year extension he signed in November.

        Second-year RB Jonathon Brooks re-tore his right ACL in Week 14, though, and isn't a great bet to see the field much in 2025.

        So there's handcuff upside to Dowdle ... as long as Carolina doesn't draft anyone better.

        Dynasty Impact

        Treat Dowdle as no more than a handcuff for dynasty purposes. He'll turn 27 in June and doesn't look like a good candidate for a multi-year deal at any point.

        Other Winners & Losers

        Hubbard's at least a minor winner. Carolina could have added a stronger No. 2 given Brooks' issues. Barring a high-upside RB in the draft, this is a positive move.

        Matt Schauf Author Image
        Matt Schauf, Editor
        Matt has earned two Fantasy Pros accuracy awards for IDP rankings and won thousands of dollars as a player across best ball, dynasty, and high-stakes fantasy formats. He has been creating fantasy football content for more than 20 years, with work featured by Sporting News, Rotoworld, Athlon, Sirius XM, and others. He's been with Draft Sharks since 2011.
        Video: Woody Marks and Injury Fallout Lead Week 5 Waiver Talk

        Video: Woody Marks and Injury Fallout Lead Week 5 Waiver Talk

        9:16pm UTC 9/30/25

        Woody Marks tops Week 5 waivers, but first we hit the fallout from injuries to Tyreek Hill and Malik Nabers. Plus top QB and defense streamers for the bye weeks.

        Read More »
        Waiver Wire Pickups Week 5: Did You Wait Too Long to Grab Woody Marks?

        Waiver Wire Pickups Week 5: Did You Wait Too Long to Grab Woody Marks?

        11:47am UTC 9/30/25

        Week 4 gave us a pair of breakthrough RB performances ... and a pair of killer WR injuries. Those factors plus a hot new QB candidate drive these Week 5 waiver wire targets.

        Read More »
        Streaming Defense Week 5: Grab Browns' Elite Pass Rush

        Streaming Defense Week 5: Grab Browns' Elite Pass Rush

        10:22pm UTC 9/29/25

        Need a streaming defense for Week 5? The Cleveland Browns may be a long way from Ohio, but their defense will be right at home in fantasy lineups.

        Read More »
        Money Back You have our personal money-back guarantee: If you’re not happy with our service for any reason, just reach out by December 31, 2025, and we’ll give you 100% of your subscription money back. No strings attached.  You can cancel with one-click from your account page anytime.
        Compare Plans » Compare Plans »