Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Brian Robinson Jr.

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, November 22, 5:31 AM

San Francisco 49ers running back Brian Robinson Jr.'s recent surge in production hit a snag in Week 11, but he could bounce back against a Carolina Panthers defense that has struggled against the run lately. In Weeks 9 and 10, Robinson scored touchdowns and posted his two highest rushing yard totals of 2025. He fell back to earth in Week 11, though, gaining 24 yards on eight carries in the 49ers' rout of the Cardinals. Despite his minimal role behind Christian McCaffrey, Robinson stands to benefit from the 49ers' upcoming matchup against the Panthers. Over the last four weeks, Carolina has given up 5.23 yards per carry to opposing running backs and the fourth-most fantasy points per game to the position. Robinson projects as an RB4 in Week 12 and has flex potential for fantasy football managers in a bind with four NFL teams on bye.