Rico Dowdle is emerging as a surprising favorite to lead the Dallas Cowboys in rushing this season, despite the presence of veterans like Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook. Dowdle has impressed throughout training camp with his explosiveness and ability in the passing game, which has positioned him as a key contender for the lead role in the Cowboys’ backfield.
While Elliott and Cook bring experience, their recent performances suggest that they may not be the dominant forces they once were. Elliott, in particular, has shown a decline in effectiveness, especially in yards after contact, while Cook is coming off a challenging season. This opens the door for Dowdle, who, despite limited touches in previous seasons, has made a strong case to take on a larger role.
Fantasy football analysts suggest that Dallas’ backfield could operate as a committee, but Dowdle’s potential to lead in carries and yards makes him an intriguing option, especially given his lower draft cost compared to Elliott and Cook【7†source】【8†source】.