Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Jaylen Wright

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, January 4, 8:46 AM

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright will likely move into the lead-back role for the upcoming Week 18 matchup versus the New England Patriots. The Dolphins have decided to play it safe and ruled out De'Von Achane (shoulder) for the regular-season finale. His absence should mean an extended look for Wright and Ollie Gordon II during Sunday's game. Wright has shown he's capable of making plays when he's given increased touches in the backfield. The 22-year-old rushed for 107 yards on 24 carries with a touchdown against the New York Jets in Week 14. The Pats have a much better defense, but Wright should still get a ton of chances. Fantasy managers with championship games in Week 18 needing a FLEX spot, or looking for a cheaper option in DFS contests, might want to consider Wright with an increased workload.