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.

Saturday, November 15, 12:17 AM

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason lacks standalone fantasy value heading into Week 11 against the Chicago Bears. Mason had been able to co-exist alongside Aaron Jones earlier in the year, and he was a must-start when Jones missed time due to injury. However, now that Jones is healthy again, the veteran has taken over the backfield, leaving Mason in an unsteady role. Just last week, the 26-year-old only played one-quarter of the offensive snaps, rushing four times and catching one pass. He was efficient with his opportunities, but it was still impossible for him to carve out fantasy value given his small workload. As long as Jones is healthy, Mason must be viewed as a mere handcuff and shouldn't be started in fantasy lineups this week.