Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Braelon Allen

Wednesday, September 3, 4:27 PM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler was once again deployed as the team's RB1 during practice on Wednesday. During a QB/RB drill, JP Finaly of NBC4 reported that Ekeler was given the first opportunity, while seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt followed him. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. followed behind him as the third and fourth running backs. Earlier in the week, Ekeler was listed first on the team's depth chart, and his usage during Wednesday's practice seems to solidify his role as the lead option. During his debut season in Washington, Ekeler served as the primary pass-catching back, but was still very effective on the ground, posting a 4.8 YPC. Given his projected role, Ekeler carries RB2 upside in PPR leagues and strong flex value in standard formats facing the New York Giants in Week 1.

Sunday, August 31, 5:58 PM

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen feels that he has a lot left to prove, according to an interview he conducted with Steve Serby of the New York Post. "I felt like I was the best running back in [the 2024] draft, and I still do," Allen said. "I have a lot left to prove, not even to the outside world but still people in this locker room and people in this building and to myself. Last year, I kind of gotta flush it, forget about it, but that still drives me." In 2024, Allen totaled 334 rushing yards, 148 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. He enters his second NFL season with a chance to carve out an even larger role in the Jets' offense. There's a growing sense that New York may look to reduce Breece Hall's workload, which could lead to additional opportunities for Allen and Isaiah Davis. Still, those opportunities will have to be earned, and Allen sounds dedicated to proving himself to his teammates, the Jets' front office and coaching staff, and the rest of the league. He's currently being drafted 101st in Yahoo leagues, which ranks 33rd among running backs. That price tag seems a little steep when you consider that Allen is the overall RB39 in this year's RotoBaller fantasy draft rankings.