Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Julius Chestnut

Sunday, January 26, 6:46 PM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler tallied just 32 all-purpose yards during their loss in the NFC Championship game to the Philadelphia Eagles. Ekeler also lost a fumble. The Commanders were playing from behind throughout most of the contest, putting their rushing attack out of the game plan. However, even when Ekeler was given the ball through the air, he could not perform. He caught five of his seven targets but tallied just 17 yards. His seven targets tied him the second-most on the team, only behind tight end Zach Ertz. Throughout the season, the 29-year-old operated primarily as a change-of-pace option in the Washington backfield. Entering Sunday, Ekeler posted a strong 10.3 yards per catch and a 4.8 yards per carry. Ekeler will likely remain in this role next season as he enters the final year of his contract.

Wednesday, March 19, 3:13 PM

The Tennessee Titans are re-signing running back Julius Chestnut to a one-year contract, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. Chestnut signed with Tennessee after going undrafted in 2022 out of Sacred Heart University, and he has contributed on special teams and offense over the last three seasons. Overall, the 24-year-old has logged 31 rushes for 102 yards, five receptions for 52 yards, four tackles, and one fumble recovery in 23 career games. While Chestnut is unlikely to be fantasy-relevant in 2025, the run of unfortunate injury luck for backup running back Tyjae Spears keeps him on the fantasy football radar in the deepest of fantasy football leagues. That said, if the Titans select a running back in the 2025 NFL Draft at any point, Chestnut could be a cut candidate after training camp.