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.

Monday, October 6, 12:33 AM

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries during Sunday's Week 5 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He also converted his lone target into a six-yard reception. Furthermore, the veteran running back was involved in a trick play as he threw a three-yard touchdown pass to tight end Sam LaPorta. In the end, Montgomery finished the victory with 71 scrimmage yards and two total touchdowns. He was the team's leading rusher and also posted a season-high in carries. While we can't necessarily expect Montgomery to replicate this type of performance going forward, he has established himself as a high-end RB3/flex option once again in 2025. He should be started in leagues with at least 10 teams when he takes on the Kansas City Chiefs next week.