Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or David Montgomery

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.

Tuesday, October 21, 1:40 PM

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery had a rough game in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording 13 carries for 21 yards and two catches for 18 yards. 15 total touches is a positive sign for Montgomery after he saw just six in Week 6, but the 28-year-old has now been held under 25 rushing yards and out of the end zone in three out of the last four weeks. Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs dominated in Week 7, recording 218 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 20 total touches. With Detroit not having as much success in the power-run game as in years past, it appears Montgomery could be sliding into a true RB2 role behind Gibbs. At best, Montgomery profiles as a touchdown-dependent flex option for fantasy managers as the Lions head into their Week 8 bye.