Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or J.K. Dobbins

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.

Sunday, October 19, 9:39 PM

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins rushes 14 times for 81 yards while losing a yard on one catch on the day as the Broncos exploded in the fourth quarter, scoring 33 points in Sunday's 33-32 comeback win against the New York Giants. Dobbins has been able to showcase solid production for the Broncos' rushing attack despite lacking a touchdown in the past couple of weeks. Rookie running back RJ Harvey was getting more work than usual early on in the game, but Dobbins stepped in to give the Broncos some sparks as the game went on, and he would eventually out-carry Harvey 14-4 on the day. In what could be a Week 8 shootout as the Broncos face the Dallas Cowboys at home, Dobbins should continue to provide RB2 value with upside.