All Panthers

Is Rico Dowdle the best running back in the NFL right now?

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle is third in the NFL in rushing despite starting just three games this season.
Dennis cox|
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) breaks away for a long gain with less than a minute left in the game against the Green Bay Packers during their football game Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Carolina won 16-13.
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) breaks away for a long gain with less than a minute left in the game against the Green Bay Packers during their football game Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Carolina won 16-13. | Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In this story:

Carolina Panthers

Is Rico Dowdle the best running back in the NFL right now?

Over the last five games, Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle is arguably the best running back in the NFL, and the numbers back it up.

Since Dowdle started in place of Chuba Hubbard Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins, Dowdle has rushed for a total 652 yards on 103 carries in five games. That rushing total is more than Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry has in eight games this season (629 yards on 128 carries), Miami Dolphins RB De’Von Achane (606 yards on 121 carries in nine games), Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne (598 yards on 119 carries in eight games), San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (596 yards on 168 carries in nine games), and Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson (595 yards on 118 carries in eight games). Henry, Achane, Etienne, McCaffrey, and Robinson all rank sixth through tenth in the NFL in total rushing, respectively.

Keep in mind about Dowdle’s hot streak, Panthers head coach Dave Canales split the backfield duties between Hubbard and Dowdle for a two game stretch against the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills during Weeks 7 and 8 after Hubbard returned from a calf injury, limiting Dowdle to 25 carries total during those two games, where Dowdle still gained 133 yards on the ground.

After Week 9, Dowdle ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards with 735 yards, though some teams have already had their bye-week and have only played eight games this season.

Here’s how Dowdle compares to the other running backs in the top-5 in the NFL since Week 5:

Player

Yards per game

Yards per carry

Touchdowns

Jonathon Taylor, IND

96.2 YPG (5 games)

6.0 YPC

9

James Cook, BUF

116.5 YPG (4 gms)

6.0 YPC

5

Rico Dowdle, CAR

130.4 YPG (5 gms)

6.3 YPC

3

Javonte Williams, DAL

80.8 YPG (5 gms)

5.3 YPC

4

JK Dobbins, DEN

74.4

4.8 YPC

1

The only category where Dowdle falls below the others on this list is touchdowns, which can be a byproduct of a limited passing attack and fewer opportunities in the redzone.

Carolina is in contention for a playoff spot, and with a home game against the 1-8 New Orleans Saints on deck, the Panthers need to continue to lean on the player that has been the driving force to their offense.

  - Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI -

Panthers take huge leap in power rankings after surprising Packers

Panthers studs & duds from a shocking upset win over the Packers

Takeaways from the Panthers’ thrilling walk-off win against Green Bay

Carolina Panthers great begs podcasters to stay retired for good luck

Published | Modified
Dennis cox
DENNIS COX

Dennis Cox is a radio and podcast producer/host, writer, and will occasionally appear on television to provide analysis in Raleigh, NC, while also doing play-by-play for ESPN+. Cox has covered the Carolina Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, college basketball, and college football for local, regional, and national outlets, including Fox Sports, FanDuel Sports Network, the Associated Press. Dennis is a former college lacrosse player, and is a two-time beer league hockey champion.

Share on XFollow TheFanRookie
Home/News