USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
After weeks sharing, Rico Dowdle has taken hold of the Cowboys’ backfield.
The fourth-year running back has led Dallas in carries in each of the last four games, logging double-digit handoffs in all four contests, including 19 in Sunday’s win over the Commanders.
Dowdle ran for 86 yards in that game, the second-most he’s had in a game this season, behind a surprisingly strong Cowboys offensive line.
He will have an even easier assignment on Thanksgiving when the Giants visit Dallas for a divisional battle between two teams trying to stay out of the NFC East cellar.
Big Blue’s run defense has been atrocious this season. League worst, in fact.
The Giants are allowing an NFL-high 5.2 yards per carry and 147.9 total rushing yards per game, which is third-most in the league.
Just last week, rookie ball carrier Bucky Irving exploded for 87 yards on just 12 attempts.
Before the Giants’ bye week, Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard ran wild for 153 yards and a touchdown.
Dowdle must be licking his chops.
The Cowboys offense has looked much better than expected behind quarterback Cooper Rush since Dak Prescott went down, too, averaging 360 total yards over the past two games.
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Oddsmakers at BetRivers have Dowdle’s rushing yards over/under pegged at 65.5.
He’s gone over this number in only three games this season, although he’s done it twice in his last four contests.
But this is as good of a shot as any for a big Dowdle game.
The play: Rico Dowdle over 65.5 rushing yards (-115, BetRivers Sportsbook)
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Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.