Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Jordan Mason

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, October 5, 1:58 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason found the end zone and caught three passes Sunday against Cleveland, saving an otherwise average game with just 56 total yards. Mason and Minnesota did just enough, with the back scoring a second-half running touchdown to highlight a day in which he had 52 yards on 13 carries in Minnesota's 21-17 comeback win. The first-year Viking coughed up the ball in the first half for the second straight week, and lost some touches to backup Zavier Scott, who came in and also fumbled. The performance yardage-wise was to be expected as a decimated Vikings' O-line went against a good Cleveland front, but Mason should hang onto fantasy value as long as he can hang onto the ball. The Vikings will return to action in Week 7 after a bye next week.