Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Kimani Vidal

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 21, 11:13 AM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal has been up and down as the team's primary rushing option over the previous few weeks. However, LA's backfield is due for a shift with teammate Omarion Hampton (ankle) working his way back to full health. Consistency has been an issue for Vidal, posting three outings of 95 or more rushing yards that were followed up with a performance of 30 or fewer. He was a fine fill-in while the team dealt with a myriad of injuries, but is set to see his touch share drop significantly as the rookie was expected to return at some point after the Chargers' bye week. It isn't a guarantee that Hampton will play when the team lines up against the Raiders in Week 13, meaning Vidal may have another week or two where he's playable. Still, his time as a viable fantasy asset is running thin.