Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Breece Hall

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, 2:23 AM

New York Jets running back Breece Hall has a difficult matchup on tap for Week 15, when his team squares off with the hosting Jacksonville Jaguars. Hall was initially at risk of missing this weekend's contest after he began the week tagged with a DNP due to a knee injury. Fortunately, he'd elevate his practice status each of the following days, and carries no designation into Sunday's outing. Despite the minor issue, the Iowa State alum is trending toward being the focal point of New York's attack with rookie signal-caller Brady Cook under center. While Hall's volume should be significant, he'll slide down the fantasy rankings this week. Aside from a lower ceiling with Cook at the helm, he'll have to deal with a league-best Jacksonville rush defense (82.9 yards per game), further hindering his fantasy potential. Hall's volume should be nice, but he'll be a fringey RB2, and, officially, RotoBaller's PPR RB20 for Week 15.