Fantasy Football Player Notes

Last season, Jaylen Warren had arguably his most productive season for fantasy purposes as the RB18 in fantasy points per game. He was his usual incredibly efficient self on a per-touch basis. In 2025, Warren ranked sixth in missed tackle rate, ninth in yards after contact per attempt, 12th in rushing success rate, third in yards per route run, and seventh in first downs per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). He set career highs in carries (211), rushing yards (958), and total touchdowns (eight). Kenneth Gainwell moved on from Pittsburgh in the offseason, but Mike McCarthy brought in his favorite son, Rico Dowdle. Warren's role for Pittsburgh has evolved over the years from preferred passing down back to lead back, but his role could be in flux in 2026 with the arrival of a new head coach and backfield mate. Warren could still return RB2 value this season, but there's more risk in his 2026 projection than many will be able to admit.

Rico Dowdle did it again last season. Dowdle fought to get to the top of the Carolina running back depth chart as he wrestled the starting job away from Chuba Hubbard. In Weeks 5-18, Dowdle averaged 18.6 touches and 87.7 total yards as the RB10 in fantasy points per game. Dowdle also excelled last season on the ground and in the receiving game. He ranked 23rd in explosive run rate, 17th in missed tackle rate, tenth in yards after contact per attempt, 17th in yards per route run, and 16th in first downs per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). After that strong season, Dowdle now finds himself reunited with Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh as a backfield complement to Jaylen Warren. The division of the Steelers' running back workload is up in the air for the 2026 season, but I won't count against Dowdle's ability to rise to the competition for RB1 duties. We'll likely see a committee approach for Pittsburgh this season, but Dowdle could easily return RB2 value if not strong flex value this season.