Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Jaylen Warren

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, November 3, 1:02 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren handled 16 carries for 31 yards and two touchdowns while adding two catches for minus-two yards in Sunday's win over the Indianapolis Colts. Warren found the end zone twice on the day for the first time in his career, but was bottled up on his touches otherwise. The 16 carries were also tied for the second most Warren had ever had in a game, but it was one of his most inefficient outings as the Colts' run defense shut off rushing lanes. The 27-year-old has established himself as the Steelers' workhorse and a focal point of their offense. Aaron Rodgers frequently looks for him on checkdowns, where Warren is electric after the catch. Warren should continue to project as a high-end RB2 for fantasy in the coming weeks.