Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Justice Hill

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 7, 11:45 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill hasn't done much throughout the 2025 campaign. Although he had two touchdowns in the Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, he's been quiet overall from a production standpoint. The 27-year-old logged a season-high 35 offensive snaps in Week 6 versus the Los Angeles Rams. Yet, since the Ravens returned from their bye week, that number dropped considerably, with Hill logging only 11 offensive snaps in the Thursday night win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 9. With Baltimore looking to build on a two-game winning streak, the team is aiming for a much-needed victory over Minnesota on Sunday. The Vikings have looked good at times on the defensive side of the ball this season. However, regardless of the matchup, Hill isn't worth starting in any fantasy format. That likely won't change anytime soon, especially with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry getting most of the carries.