Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Kyren Williams

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, October 18, 11:42 AM

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams has scored a touchdown in back-to-back games and will look to extend his streak against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7. The 25-year-old has a firm grasp on the lead-back role in Los Angeles, handling 39 touches over the last two games compared to Blake Corum's six. Williams has been efficient on the ground with 4.4 yards per carry and has also taken on a bigger receiving role with 10 catches and two receiving touchdowns over his last two games. The Jaguars rank near the middle of the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to running backs, so we don't expect Williams to run into any challenges that he can't handle. He remains a high-end RB2 for Week 7.