Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or A.J. Dillon

Monday, September 22, 12:34 PM

Although Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. wasn't all that efficient (3.5 yards per carry) in his 2025 debut in the team's 41-24 blowout win over the visiting Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, he did lead the team with 11 carries. Rodriguez was a healthy scratch the first two weeks, but he was elevated to the active roster for Week 3 after Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles in Week 2. The 24-year-old ran for 39 yards on his 11 carries and was not utilized in the passing game. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt was second on the team with eight carries, and he, too, was inefficient with just 26 yards on the ground. Jeremy McNichols and quarterback Marcus Mariota combined for 10 rushing attempts and two touchdowns against the Raiders. Croskey-Merritt has the most upside in the Commanders' backfield moving forward with Ekeler done for the year, but Rodriguez is worth a waiver-wire pickup if you have JCM rostered or are looking for RB depth. Rodriguez is currently rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.

Friday, October 17, 8:13 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back A.J. Dillon was the only other member of the Philly backfield to get any action in Week 6, carrying the ball once and grabbing two receptions in the loss. Dillon played just 14% of snaps once again, but seems to have cemented himself as the primary handcuff option for if Saquon Barkley goes down. If managers have Barkley and some extra room on the bench, Dillon isn't a bad piece to add just in case. But for now, that's his only fantasy value. He should not be in lineups for his upcoming matchup against the Vikings.