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, September 12, 9:29 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford will take on the Baltimore Ravens on the road in Week 2. Ford is looking to shake off a slow start in Week 1 as he gained just eight yards on six carries while losing three yards on his lone catch in a one-point loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran's role as the team's starter could be coming to an end soon as rookie Quinshon Judkins is expected to make his pro debut against the Ravens, which could push Ford to a bench role, assuming the Browns keep rookie Dylan Sampson in the third-down spot. Ford is an extremely risky fantasy option in Week 2 and should be left on benches with his backfield role up in the air.