Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Ashton Jeanty

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.

Saturday, December 6, 5:00 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty has displayed his receiving ability in recent weeks, recording at least six receptions in three straight games. Jeanty has struggled to be efficient as a runner all season due to the Raiders' poor offensive line, but he's still found ways to deliver for fantasy managers. Since Week 9, the rookie first-rounder has recorded 70 carries for 190 yards and a touchdown to go with 28 receptions for 165 yards and two touchdowns on 34 targets. His 28 receptions during that span trail only Christian McCaffrey, and he ranks as the RB10 in that stretch with 16.3 PPR points per game. Jeanty will look to stay productive as a receiver in Week 14 against the Denver Broncos' stout defense. The rookie totaled 19 carries for 60 yards and a touchdown with three receptions (three targets) for five yards against them in Week 10, and he profiles as an upside RB2 in Week 14.