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 13, 12:27 AM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty could handle increased volume in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he should benefit from this favorable matchup against a below-average run defense. The Raiders will be starting quarterback Kenny Pickett over Geno Smith (back, shoulder) this week, and this quarterback downgrade could prompt Las Vegas to throw the ball less and run the ball more. It could also lead to more checkdowns and fewer passes deep downfield. All of this bodes well for Jeanty, who is averaging 14.7 carries and 3.5 catches per game while ranking as the overall RB14 in PPR leagues. Not only do we think he could handle more than 20 touches in an offensive game plan centered around rushing attempts and short passes, but Jeanty should also benefit from a favorable matchup. Philadelphia has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points, fifth-most receiving yards, and second-most receiving touchdowns to opposing running backs in 2025. This promising opportunity gives Jeanty top-12 running back upside for Week 15.