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.

Monday, October 6, 6:57 PM

If it wasn't already clear that Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams is the team's lead back after his big game in the Week 5 win over the New York Jets on Sunday, head coach Brian Schottenheimer reiterated it on Monday when he said, "Javonte's the bell-cow. He's earned that." Williams dominated the Jets in the 37-22 victory, carrying the rock 16 times for 135 yards and a touchdown while adding a touchdown reception. It was the 25-year-old's first 100-yard rushing performance since his rookie season in 2021 with the Denver Broncos. It helped that backup Miles Sanders (ankle, knee) was inactive on Sunday, but even so, Williams is Dallas' clear lead back going forward. He appears to be fully healthy and is making the Cowboys' one-year deal look pretty darn good right now. Williams has cemented himself into must-start status in fantasy with 525 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns through five games, and he could have a second straight big performance in Week 6 in a matchup against the Carolina Panthers.