Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Jerome Ford

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.

Friday, November 21, 8:24 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford will take on the Las Vegas Raiders on the road in Week 12. Ford has been barely used in the Cleveland offense this season, handling just three carries over his past three games as the Browns have focused on getting the ball to standout rookie runner Quinshon Judkins. Ford will hope to see a larger role against a Raiders defense that is allowing the 19th-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Ford's role in the Cleveland offense leaves him as a difficult-to-trust fantasy option who sets up as a risky start this weekend.