Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Keenan Allen

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.

Tuesday, November 18, 12:48 AM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen was the only bright spot in the team's disastrous 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, posting four receptions for 53 yards on six targets. He led the team in every receiving category on a day when Justin Herbert threw for just 81 yards, and the offense gained only 135 total yards. Allen's route rate had been trending down in recent weeks, but the veteran stepped up while the rest of the offense struggled to function. Even in a historically bad performance, Allen delivered a useful 9.3 PPR points. As the Chargers head into their desperately needed Week 12 bye, Allen still proves to be a reliable pass catcher heading into the fantasy playoff push.