Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or De'Von Achane

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.

Friday, November 7, 7:47 PM

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane continues to be an elite option in a struggling offense, coming into his Week 10 matchup with the Bills. Achane could get even more work than normal with Ollie Gordon II (ankle) questionable and some extra rest since the Dolphins last played on Thursday Night Football over a week ago. Achane rushed 14 times for 67 yards in the Dolphins' Week 9 loss to the Ravens, adding six receptions for 39 yards. He had 12 carries for 62 yards and seven catches for 29 yards the first time he faced Buffalo this season, and he should be very busy once again on Sunday at home. He has seven touchdowns in nine games this season, and his consistent PPR involvement keeps both his floor and ceiling very high. He has logged double-digit carries every week since Week 1, while racking up 56 targets in those seven games. This week, he is the No. 4 RB in RotoBaller's rankings, making him an elite start in all formats.