Courtland Sutton vs Rico Dowdle

“The knock has been volume and availability, but both concerns have shifted: Tyreek Hill is no longer absorbing targets, and Waddle now operates in a pass-heavy Broncos scheme with a clear path to the WR1 role over Courtland Sutton .”

“Sutton continued to be the preferred target in Denver last year, giving him remarkably similar numbers as he put up in 2024. He was also still involved in the red zone, as he scored seven touchdowns.”

“The arrival of Jaylen Waddle will change that this year. Sutton still can be a highly productive player in a pass-happy offense, but he’ll take a backseat to Waddle.”

“Currently a low-end wide receiver four in dynasty rankings, which one analyst views as roughly correct given a notable new teammate addition that’s already graded out clearly ahead of Sutton across nearly every efficiency category, including team yardage share, yards per route run, air yards share, and contested catch rate.”

“Jason got his second stack in a row, adding Courtland Sutton with this ninth pick.”

“Broncos WR Courtland Sutton said the team has a great skill-position group and that the tight end room pulls its weight as well. "We have the weapons in our room," Sutton said. "I don't like the bashing of our tight end room, I'm going to say that publicly. I think they do their job really well, they do what's asked of them to a high level."”

“Courtland Sutton (11th in total WR points last year) is going for an average auction value less than their projection.”

“The Broncos needed a second option behind Courtland Sutton in the wide receiver room. Instead, they elected to put substantial draft capital into trading for Jaylen Waddle, who arguably is their No. 1 WR moving forward. Sutton has largely kept himself fantasy-relevant through touchdowns over the last few years, with 25 over the last three seasons, the sixth-most in that period. Should Waddle eat into those opportunities, it could prove tricky for Sutton to return value at this price.”

“Sutton needs to show that sharing is caring. Denver needed another explosive option, but they still need a player who can win physically. Sutton should benefit from a better ecosystem, as Waddle can pull coverage away from him and create more space for the throws Sutton already wins on, though he may lose some raw target ceiling while the quality of his looks will improve.”

“Courtland Sutton is a sell-high candidate now that Jaylen Waddle has arrived in Denver to command the majority of target shares in Sean Payton's offense. While Sutton has been a reliable staple, he is entering his age-31 season with a bloated contract that makes him a likely cap casualty or trade piece in the near future.”

“Courtland Sutton was selected at WR for 4,200 and was rostered at 3% ownership in the DraftKings NFL Million Dollar Winning Lineup for 2018 Week 13.”

“Top cap hit: Courtland Sutton, $13,975,000 (4.64 percent)”

“Last year, we saw Hubbard and Rico Dowdle individually combine for six top 12 weeks.”

“I still scooped up Henderson in the fifth round and then grabbed Dowdle, who I love this season, in the seventh.”

“My money is on Warren as Pittsburgh’s primary running back this year, and it’s possible Dowdle has a smaller role than some expect.”

“At present, Warren is roughly two rounds more expensive in ADP. If you are drafting now, you should prioritize Dowdle over Warren, as these ADPs are likely to converge as the preseason continues.”

“Once Dowdle became the starter in Carolina during 2025 after Week 5, he averaged nearly 19 touches per game and just shy of 90 total yards from scrimmage each week. His ability to generate missed tackles and run through defenders was impressive to watch, especially with Chuba Hubbard struggling to find any level of success when given a touch.”

“Dowdle will have to earn his way to the field in Pittsburgh behind Jaylen Warren , though he is being drafted just about a round behind the presumed starter. If the Rico-McCarthy connection from his breakout season in Dallas is rekindled, fantasy managers may be able to get a starting RB for basically nothing in drafts.”

“Rico Dowdle (RB – PIT) | ADP 58 Overall, RB29 I’ve long been a fan of Jaylen Warren and the efficiency he’s consistently posted, but he’s failed to fully take over the Steelers backfield in the last few seasons”

“Although the offense as a whole is relatively weak, the running game has produced 1,000-yard rushers in each of the last two seasons, including 1,587 between Rico Dowdle and Hubbard last season”

“Round 8: Jaylen Warren (RB – PHI) Bringing in Rico Dowdle makes me nervous, but with other loaded positions, I started to load up on running back talent that I think could get at least 50% of the carries on their team.”

“Rico Dowdle, Pittsburgh Steelers There’s a lot to be said (but often unspoken of) for head coaches’ allegiance to players. Jaylen Warren had that for years in the Steel City as one of Mike Tomlin’s favorites.”

“Dowdle isn't the only player reuniting with Mike McCarthy. The last time the two of them were together was in 2024, when Dowdle had a breakout season.”

“Last year, he finished as the RB16, averaging 10.4 fantasy points per game despite splitting the backfield work with Chuba Hubbard. Furthermore, Dowdle has had back-to-back top-24 finishes, including in 2024 with Mike McCarthy. Now that the duo is reunited in Pittsburgh, the veteran should have his third consecutive RB2 finish.”