Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Javonte Williams

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.

Saturday, November 15, 4:50 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams has consistently dominated the work out of the Cowboys' backfield all year. Williams has been one of the most reliable players in the Dallas offense this season and is currently on pace to finish as a top-12 fantasy running back. He was held in check in his last game against the Cardinals in Week 9, but he remains one of the most consistent options at the position. This week, Williams and the Cowboys face the Las Vegas Raiders, a defense that has been fairly mediocre against the run. The Raiders are allowing around 106 rushing yards per game and have given up 12 rushing touchdowns on the year. This sets up a strong opportunity for Williams and the Dallas offense to get back on track against a lackluster Raiders unit. RotoBaller currently has Williams ranked as the RB5 for Week 11.