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Updated August 16, 2026 from live stats

Dylan Sampson vs Rico DowdleWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

DraftCall Analytics

Start Rico Dowdle over Dylan Sampson in 2026.

Rico Dowdle averaged 11.6 PPG in 2025 to Dylan Sampson's 4.7, a 6.9 point per game edge. Both play running backs, so that per-game gap is the cleanest tiebreaker for a 2026 start or sit.

The Bottom Line

The gap here is significant. Rico Dowdle outscored Dylan Sampson by 6.9 PPG in 2025 with 7 total touchdowns. If both are on your board, Rico Dowdle is the clear pick. Dylan Sampson profiles as a matchup-dependent running back who can spike but lacks the consistent floor.

High confidence: stats strongly favor the leader, and the gap is unlikely to close on matchup alone.

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RBCleveland Browns#99

Dylan Sampson

PPG

4.7

Games

Rush Yds

175

Rec

Rec Yds

271

Bye

Week 10

RBCarolina Panthers#21PPG LEADER

Rico Dowdle

PPG

11.6

Games

Rush Yds

1,076

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

297

Bye

Week 5

The Edge Chart

Dylan Sampson

Rico Dowdle

Head to Head

4.7 PPG11.6 PPG

15 GP17 GP

Bye: Week 10Bye: Week 5

Fantasy Tiers

Dylan Sampson: Unranked RB. Rico Dowdle: Tier 5 (Flex/Starter) RB (ranked #21 at the position). Among the top 50 running backs this season, Dylan Sampson is producing at 21% of elite pace and Rico Dowdle at 53%. That ranking gap means Rico Dowdle carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Dylan Sampson vs Rico Dowdle: The Full Breakdown

There is a real production gap between these two running backs. Rico Dowdle (Carolina Panthers) averaged 11.6 PPG over 17 games in 2025, outscoring Dylan Sampson (Cleveland Browns, 4.7 PPG) by 6.9 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.

That 6.9-point weekly advantage for Rico Dowdle is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.

Both profile as early-down workhorses. Dylan Sampson ran for 175 yards and undefined 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.

One scheduling note: Dylan Sampson is off Week 10 and Rico Dowdle Week 5. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Rico Dowdle is a buy in trades where the other manager is chasing upside at a different position. Dylan Sampson is a hold unless you can flip him for a positional upgrade elsewhere on your roster. Dynasty outlook: Dylan Sampson (age 21) has not yet hit the RB cliff. High dynasty ceiling if volume holds. Rico Dowdle (age 28, 5 years) is past the typical RB peak. Redraft value exceeds dynasty value.

Did You Know?

•Rico Dowdle outscored Dylan Sampson by a projected 117 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Rico Dowdle played 17 games in 2025 compared to Dylan Sampson's 15. That durability gap means Rico Dowdle contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Rico Dowdle scored 7 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.4 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.
•Rico Dowdle caught 39 passes in 2025. Pass-catching backs average 2-3 more PPG in half-PPR than their non-receiving counterparts.
•Dylan Sampson is 7 years younger than Rico Dowdle (21 vs 28), which significantly impacts dynasty league trade value.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Dylan Sampson vs Rico Dowdle: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Dylan Sampson	Rico Dowdle
PPG (Half-PPR)	4.7	11.6
Games Played	15	17
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	71	197
Rushing Yards	175	1,076
Rush Yds/Game	11.7	63.3
Rushing TDs	0	6
Receptions	33	39
Receiving Yards	271	297
Targets	40	50
Total TDs	2	7
Age	21	28
Experience	1 yrs	5 yrs
Bye Week	Week 10	Week 5

Summary

The 2025 numbers favor Rico Dowdle at 11.6 PPG, 6.9 points per game above Dylan Sampson's 4.7. But season stats only tell part of the story. DraftCall's AI factors in weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status to give you a verdict that updates with the latest data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Dylan Sampson or Rico Dowdle in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Rico Dowdle has the edge at 11.6 PPG compared to Dylan Sampson's 4.7 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Dylan Sampson and Rico Dowdle average in 2025?▾

Dylan Sampson averaged 4.7 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 15 games in 2025. Rico Dowdle averaged 11.6 PPG over 17 games. That is a difference of 6.9 points per game.

When are Dylan Sampson and Rico Dowdle's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Dylan Sampson (CLE) has a bye in Week 10, and Rico Dowdle (CAR) has a bye in Week 5. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Dylan Sampson or Rico Dowdle a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

Rico Dowdle outscored Dylan Sampson by 6.9 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.