Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or James Cook

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, November 16, 10:34 PM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook wasn't very efficient on the ground in Sunday's 44-32 win over the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11, but he still managed to go over 100 scrimmage yards while securing his first receiving touchdown of the year. Cook had 16 rushing attempts for 48 yards on the ground (3.0 yards per carry) while adding three catches on three targets for a season-high 66 yards through the air and his first receiving TD (eighth total in 2025). The 26-year-old had a tough time finding space to run on Sunday against a stout Buccaneers defensive front, but he salvaged his day for fantasy managers by contributing as a pass-catcher, finishing as Buffalo's second leading receiver. Cook's TD came on a 25-yard reception. He's a must-start in all fantasy formats, but Cook might need more contributions as a pass-catcher again in Week 12 in a tough matchup on the ground against the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football.